Sterilisation: 700 monkeys dead

The state government’s move to sterilise monkeys in Kangra district has claimed the lives of about 700 monkeys. The poor animals are losing their lives due to poor upkeep and unprofessional handling in captivity. The high mortality rate of monkeys at the Gopalpur sterilisation centre of the Wildlife Department has evoked criticism from animal activists. The activists alleged that the Wildlife Department was violating provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals Act by meting out such a treatment to monkeys being brought here for sterilisation.