A three-hour surgery to save an injured baboon came to a dead end when the female baboon was humanely euthanised.
She was reportedly attacked by the dogs in Murdoch Valley on Wednesday 23 February.
She suffered extensive wounds to one of her legs.
“The baboon was mauled and had extensive wounds to her hind leg. Two thirds of the muscles of her leg were either lacerated or had been ripped out during the attack,” said Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham.
She described the process as “heartbreaking” for the vet team who spent three hours trying to save the baboon.
“It was a valiant effort on behalf of our veterinary team to save her and her leg. Despite repeated attempts to debride the wounds, they became septic and she was in such pain that she began self-traumatising.
“This in spite of a strict pain management protocol of four different painkillers including morphine and strong antibiotic treatment. When we were no longer able to manage her pain, we were left with no alternative other than to humanely end her suffering.”
The incident was also a bitter pill to swallow for Baboon Matters, the baboon conservation body.
In a statement Jenni Trethowan from Baboon Matters said it was very sad that a baboon had died.
“It is with great sadness that I report the death of another baboon.
“On Wednesday last week an adult female baboon of the Smitswinkel troop was viciously attacked by dogs.
“Despite huge efforts from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA veterinarian, including surgery lasting over three hours, the injuries sustained in the dog attack proved just too much and today (Sunday 27 February) the ailing baboon was humanely euthanised.”
Trethowan said it was not the first incident involving the same dogs that attacked the baboon.
“This is not the first time a baboon has been killed by those particular dogs and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is investigating the case and is calling for witnesses prepared to make statements leading to a prosecution.
“Please note that the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is currently footing the bill for all veterinary work required for baboons injured on the Cape Peninsula.” She added that the City of Cape Town makes no provision for the welfare of baboons in the annual budget for baboon management. In so doing the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has stepped up to cover this critical need.
“Please support the SPCA with donations, every contribution will be appreciated.”
