The situation of these primates since then is not new The struggle for his freedom has been going on for several years and it is fraught with irregularities on the part of those who imprisoned them. In fact, it took a lot of effort to ensure that the complaint and the allegations made would face legal action.
It is notable that the complainants, referring to the dozens of primates locked in small cages in a basement without being able to see sunlight, explained that it It is entirely possible that there was a crime of continued animal crueltybecause they define them as ‘sentient beings’.
A group of activists from different organizations continues their action fight for the liberation of primates locked up in inhumane conditions in the basement of the Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As of 2021, between 60 and 65 primates, including Asian macaques and cai monkeys, remain confined to small cages, without natural light or environmental enrichment, and suffer abandonment after being used in experiments.
The past December 26About 100 people gathered in front of the CEMIC doors in a peaceful protest organized by a group of activists and the Argentina Great Ape Project. With banners and shouts like «Liberation for the primates!» j «Enough suffering!»protesters demanded an end to the abuse and immediate measures to ensure the welfare of the animals.
CEMIC versus justice for primates
The CEMIC has raised an exception for incompetence to delay the legal process; However, the Buenos Aires Ministry of Justice has declared itself competent and the decision is now final. Despite this progress, the situation of primates remains critical. The complainants have requested new reports to determine:
- The exact number of surviving primates, along with their age and gender.
- How many and when were or will vasectomies be performed?
- The treatments performed, the exposure they were exposed to and their current status.
- Environmental enrichment was carried out as nothing was seen during the ordered inspection until October.
It was further requested that the Director of CEMICHe Director of the Bioterie and the the leadership are cited as accused of the said crimes in law 14,346, which punishes atrocities, animal cruelty and neglect towards animals.
«We cannot allow these creatures to be treated as disposable objects. They have suffered years of confinement and abandonment in inhumane conditions. At this point the CEMIC must assume its moral and legal responsibility. We demand the immediate release of the primates and their transfer to the Carayá Project, where they can spend their last years with dignity. We will continue to fight with mobilizations until justice is done.»– activists have stated.
They also pointed out the importance of maintaining social pressure: «This is not the time to let our guard down.. We appreciate the support of everyone who mobilized and we call on society to continue raising its voices. The fight for the rights of these primates cannot stop.
The meeting in front of the CEMIC took place peacefully, without police intervention and with large citizen participation. María de las Victorias González Silvano, representative of the Great Ape Project in Argentina and lawyer for the case, was interviewed by media outlets reporting on the protestemphasizing the need to give these animals a second chance at life, but rarely, although there was television media, the action was silenced. The strength of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Corporation is very important.
The authorities, CEMIC and society are urged to take urgent action. It is not enough to recognize the situation; It is necessary to take concrete measures so that the primates are transferred to a suitable environment that respects their dignity and well-being. “Justice is required, but social pressure is crucial. The primates can’t wait any longer. Let us continue together for his liberation.”the NGOs concluded.