DA Recognition of Animal Well-Being and Sentience is Being Tested in Pringle Bay

We strongly disagree with Dean O’Neill, the Municipal Mayor’s (MM), interpretation of the important single-question survey initiated by the Overstrand Municipality (OM) regarding The Appointment of a Mediator for Baboon/Human Related Conflict for Pringle Bay Ratepayers.

The single question survey was very clearly stated: 

• Please indicate if you agree that a Mediator must be appointed.

There could be no misunderstanding of the question. The word “independent” is not mentioned in the survey. According to the results published by the Overstrand Municipality, the majority of ratepayers in Pringle Bay did not agree that a mediation process was necessary.

In light of the MM’s statement in the Overstrand Herald, we would like to take this opportunity of reminding him that since the beginning of November 2024, numerous organizations have been promised a meeting by ex-Mayor Rabie with Overstrand Environmental Department representatives Liezl de Villiers and Gary Beukman.

The meeting will be to discuss the dossier of evidence of the unacceptable cruel treatment of the baboons who are being managed using the unscientific Adaptive Baboon Management Plan designed by the Overstrand Municipality. This dossier was presented to the ex-Mayor and MM in person on December 5, 2024. To date there has been no response. 

The unnecessary aggression shown towards the Pringle Bay baboons includes night assaults, using bear bangers, shooting paintballs, shouting, using strobe lights designed to disturb the baboons at their habitual sleep site. This cruel behaviour is unequivocally against what the Democratic Alliance stands for with regard to animal well-being.

The baboons are being harassed by unsupervised municipal workers during the day,  these workers are desecrating the delicate vegetation in Pringle Bay and frightening residents and all manner of wildlife.

The situation in Pringle Bay has escalated to such an extent that private investigators have been commissioned to examine the numerous vigilante attacks on humans who stand up for the wellbeing and welfare of baboons, and their property.