Reward: Rs 50,000 for Information Leading to Discovery of Missing Monkey
PETA India is offering a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the discovery of a missing rhesus macaque – a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 – who was reportedly illegally held captive for over a year by tattoo artist Kamaljit Singh (alias Kamz Inkzone) and his studio manager, Deepak Vohra.
After receiving complaints from concerned members of the public about photos and videos of the monkey posted by Singh on social media, we worked with the Chandigarh Forest Department to file a preliminary offence report under Section 9 of the WPA, read with sections 2(16)(b), 39, and 51, against the two men. They were arrested last month but have since been released on bail. One video uploaded by the tattoo artist shows the monkey being offered what is believed to be wine. The animal’s current location is unknown.
Anyone with information about the monkey’s whereabouts should call our emergency helpline (+91 9820122602) or send a message to [email protected].
Wild animals belong in their natural habitats, and exploiting them for profit or keeping them in captivity as “pets” is both morally wrong and punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of at least Rs 10,000 under the WPA.
Monkeys are trained to perform tricks through beatings and food deprivation. Their teeth are often pulled out so that they can’t defend themselves. In 1998, the central government issued a notification under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, stating that monkeys and several other species of wild animals aren’t to be exhibited or trained as performing animals.
Get Rs 50,000 Cash Reward for Sharing Information About Missing Monkey
