British Union against Vivisection will be in Mauritius this week

A delegation from the British Union against Vivisection (BUAV) will be in Mauritius from Monday for a series of meetings to raise concerns about the island’s trade and export of monkeys for research. 

It will appeal directly to the government to take immediate action to end the monkey trade. BUAV’s Chief Executive, Michelle Thew, who will lead the delegation, said: “We are visiting Mauritius to represent the concerns of the international community and to appeal directly to the Government of Mauritius to take immediate action to end this appalling cruelty by banning the capture and export of primates. 

“We are delighted with the support we have so far received from citizens and groups in Mauritius on this important issue.” A press release issued by the BUAV yesterday stated that despite the numerous letters which they have sent, “Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has so far failed to respond to a request from the BUAV for a meeting”. 

“To date, the BUAV has been extremely disappointed by the Mauritian government’s failure to respond to the genuine concerns held by people across the world about the plight of monkeys on Mauritius. 

“Despite serious animal welfare issues and the cruelty surrounding the trapping of monkeys from the wild, the Mauritian government continues to allow the capture and export of monkeys for research each year and given its approval for the trade to expand even further.”

By Nitesh Boodhoo