Hat tip to Sugar Cookie.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6622465/Monkeys-tortured-tourists-Indonesia.html
More distressing photos at the link.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6622465/Monkeys-tortured-tourists-Indonesia.html
These shocking pictures reveal how monkeys are tortured and abused as they are forced to perform on the streets of Indonesia.
The animals are chained up by the neck and forced to walk on stilts to entertain passers-by in the city of Medan, the fourth-largest in the country.
In the distressing pictures the monkeys are brought out to wear bizarre costumes, grotesque face masks and ride miniature motorcycles around the streets.
Behind-the-scenes images also reveal the animals' horrible living conditions, kept in dark cages with the chains still around their necks.
The animals' handlers are seen treating them roughly, picking them up by their hands and feet and leaving them lying on the dirty ground.
Sutanta Aditya visited the streets of Medan, Indonesia, last week and captured the distressing images of the animals in captivity.
He said: 'The shows are controversial because of the sensitivity of human feelings.
'When one person can think depriving other creatures of freedom in iron chains to make money is commonplace, I can see this comes from economic limitations.
'If you’re taming a creature of God, there must be a responsibility which comes from this. I feel sad for the monkeys and hope my pictures produce thoughts and actions.'
The monkey mask artists earn from 75,000 to 150,000 rupiahs (between £4 and £8) in one day of work – just enough to conduct a modest lifestyle.
One of the mask artists defended his job said he turned to the profession three years ago after struggling to find a job that could provide for his family.
Andi, 28, said: 'Initially I was helping a friend of mine with his monkey mask performances. Then I started learning, I started recruiting baby monkeys and learned to tame them.
'I do understand that monkey mask art is a controversial profession in Indonesia. Some people like it, some don't. But, as long as it does not disturb public order, I can still make a living as a monkey mask artist.'
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More distressing photos at the link.
