Monkey shot for fun? 2 more bonnet macaques targeted with arrow; 3 archery academies in Thane under lens

MUMBAI: Days after a bonnet macaque was shot with an arrow in Thane's Upvan area, two more monkeys of bonnet macaque species have been injured in a similar fashion with arrows by an unknown persons in the region.

The state forest department has lodged a preliminary offence report against an unknown person under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, since bonnet macaques are highly protected under Schedule 1.

The honorary wildlife warden and RAWW activist, Pawan Sharma, said: "Since the arrows with which the bonnet macaques have been shot have definitely come from a professional archery kit, we are now checking with three archery training academies which are set up in the yeoor region, close to SGNP."

Sharma added that it is also possible that some person with access to the bow and arrow shot the monkey "just for fun".

PETA India's Saloni Sakaria said they condemn this heinous crime. The use of such equipment, which is clearly not easily accessible to the general public, strongly suggests premeditated acts of cruelty.

PETA India has raised this matter with the Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife West, Maharashtra, Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar, urging immediate and stringent action against those responsible, including the invocation of relevant provisions under the Arms Act, 1959.

PETA India recommends that perpetrators of animal abuse undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling, as abusing animals indicates a deep psychological disturbance. Research shows people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting humans too.