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Jan 31, 2008
Stiffer fines to deter monkey feeding
Under the Parks and Trees Act, monkey feeders can be fined up to a maximum of $50,000 and or jailed up to six months. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
If you are caught feeding monkeys in parks and nature reserves from Friday, you will have to pay double the composition fine.
The National Parks Board (NParks) on Thursday said it will raise the fine from $250 to $500 as part of ongoing efforts to curb problems relating to nuisance monkeys in urban environment.
'Monkey feeding endangers both humans and monkeys. It adversely alters the natural behaviour of monkeys as it makes them reliant on humans for food,' said NParks in a statement.
'Such monkeys become too familiar with humans and this results in their nuisance and at times aggressive behaviour towards people, especially children.'
'Monkey feeding also results in an unhealthy growth of monkey population, and monkeys straying out of the nature reserves into residential areas. Sadly, monkeys often have to be culled for this reason.'
NParks said it does not believe that enforcement is the only way to curb the monkey feeding problem. It also conducts educational outreach programmes, put up signage and distribute pamphlets to explain the consequences of monkey feeding, and why it is an offence.
CCTVs have also been installed at selected spots at nature reserves to deter monkey feeding. Monkey-proof dustbins have also been provided in residential areas near nature reserves.
'However, while the bulk of the population responds very responsibly to these educational messages, there is a growing minority that still persists in feeding monkeys,' said NParks.
In 2006, 142 people were fined for feeding monkeys. The figure continues to rise in 2007, with a total of 157 people fined.
Last week, a man was fined S4,000 for feeding monkeys in the Mandai sanctuary, the steepest fine ever handed out for the offence.
The last increase in composition fine was in May 2007 - from $200 to $250.
Under the Parks and Trees Act, monkey feeders can be fined up to a maximum of $50,000 and or jailed up to six months.
'We will continue to step up raids on monkey feeders in the parks and nature reserves and if necessary, enlist the assistance of security companies to supplement our own efforts.'
'NParks regrets that we have to resort to tougher enforcement measures against monkey feeding. We are concerned that if monkey feeding is not curbed effectively now, it can result in more serious monkey nuisance problems that are difficult to put under control'
'We hope to have the understanding and cooperation of the public in this matter. The best way to care for monkeys is not to feed them or to report monkey feeders when you spot them.'
They can call 1800-471-7300. |
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Post time 17-1-2008 03:18 PM
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