We recently returned from a vacation to St. Kitts. We were excited to visit, partly because it’s advertised as animal- and earth-friendly. Like many visitors, we were in awe of the natural beauty, the culture and the warm, friendly people we met. But one thing marred the great beauty of the island and the memories of our experience: on a Southeast Peninsula beach, we witnessed a baby vervet monkey on a heavy chain being dragged around by a local man. The man tossed the chained baby into a strange troop of monkeys where a vicious attack ensued. When some caring people heard the monkeys screaming, they stepped in to stop the attack.

With the scientific evidence linking cruelty to animals to other crime and to cruelty towards human beings, no one can afford to tolerate such practices. We reported the cruel treatment of the baby monkey to local police, and consulted with a local vet, too. We are hopeful that the culprit can be found and the baby placed with a caring wildlife rehabilitator for recovery. We have asked anyone who witnessed the event or has seen this chained monkey to help by notifying local authorities.

We encourage tourists to avoid facilities and vendors who engage in cruel practices and all who witness animal suffering to report it to the local police. Tourists should be aware that monkeys used as tourist attractions are often caught when people chase the mothers and the babies fall off their backs and are captured. With so much to offer, the community cannot afford to let animal cruelty be the memory that visitors take home.