The owner of Monkey Town in Somerset West has hit back at accusations of violations against animals by the Cape of Goodhope SPCA, claiming the allegations and the subsequent publication online are riddled with falsehoods.
Owner Rene Grobler told DistrictMail they are working with attorneys regarding the matter and the SPCA was served a letter on Tuesday (18 January).
“We are waiting on their response to the letter. We will be asking them to remove the post regarding Monkey Town from their website and Facebook page as there are falsehoods contained in their publications and allegations.”
But the SPCA did not respond and neither were the posts taken down from Facebook and the SPCA’s website the next day, prompting Grobler to release the letter he sent to the SPCA to the media.
This comes after the SPCA issued a notice to the popular primate centre last week, stating that a recent inspection at the tourist attraction found animal care at sub-optimal standard.
The establishment has come under serious scrutiny after an anonymous tip-off from the public, which resulted in an investigation by the SPCA on Tuesday 11 January.
Monkey Town is home to 250 monkeys and apes from 26 different species. It also houses 400 other animals ranging from alpacas to donkeys.
According to its statement, SPCA inspector Werner Taljaard apparently found 14 violations of the Animal Protection Act at the facility, including poor hygiene standards, and claimed that some animals appeared to be distressed.
In the attorney’s letter to the SPCA, each of the 14 allegations are addressed, which include dismissing the view that squirrel monkeys were distressed, an assurance that all animals have access to potable water and denial that Greg the donkey is overweight – attributing this to a birth defect in line with the initial diagnosis. It further includes copies of a vet’s assessment of two lemurs, which prove that they are in good health, and further explanations which dismiss several of the other allegations.
The letter to the SPCA further states: “Our client, who took over Monkey Town since 2010 and has done his utmost to improve the living circumstances of the animals to the highest possible standard, especially in light of the conduct of his predecessors, is really saddened by the fact that many of the commentary (which stems from the notice) are unsubstantiated and has led to the degradation of the good name and reputation of Monkey Town, without his even being afforded the opportunity to present you and/or the public with his version of the relevant facts . . .”
It further described Grobler as a “passionate” animal lover, who has spent many years caring for his animals in a responsible and caring manner. The letter detailed that the owner is committed to working with the SPCA to ensure all his animals will have the best possible living circumstances and provide his co-operation to all fair and reasonable requests and recommendations of the SPCA at all times.
Grobler said he will issue no further comments or statements at this time. Inspectors of the SPCA was expected to be back at the primate centre for follow-up inspections this week.
