And we also asked Minister Alamilla to comment on the recent incident with the howler monkey that was savagely beaten on the grounds of the Orange Walk Agricultural High School.
As we've reported, the Monday was beaten on Monday and died on Friday after receiving major head trauma. A teacher and four students are under investigation and charges for illegal hunting could be brought by the Forestry Department by the end of this week.
Minister Alamilla says that it's an incident which reflects poorly on Belize:
Hon. Lisel Alamilla - Minister of Forestry
"As a country; we really have to be concerned about acts that are inhumane. There's nothing wrong with hunting, but what transpired with the monkey in Orange Walk, as has been reported so far, is really not a good reflection on our society. That wasn't hunting; that was just incredible violence against an animal that poses no threat to society. Any kind of hunting requires a permit, and any commercialization of these species for example; Hicatee or any bush mate, if you're going to be trading in it or selling it at a restaurant, you really require to apply for a permit. They cost $2000."
Under Belize's laws it is illegal to hunt Howler and Spider monkeys as well as crocodiles, manatees, tapirs, jaguars, and about 15 other animals.
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