446 Macaque Seizure Dispute Heads to Privy Council

Hammerhead International Ltd is escalating its legal battle over the seizure of 446 macaques by seeking to appeal to the Privy Council in the UK. The company is contesting a recent Supreme Court judgment that dismissed its application for a judicial review against a decision made by the Ministry of Agro-industry.

Hammerhead International Ltd is fighting to reverse the cancellation of a “letter of intent” that was initially granted to the firm for a project involving the breeding and export of monkeys for biomedical research.

The company’s original judicial review application also targeted the National Parks and Conservation Service and the Rose Belle Sugar Estate Board.

Key Developments and Court Action

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear this new application for leave to appeal to the Privy Council next Monday, 27 October.

The core of the dispute dates back to 19 March 2023, when the 446 macaques were seized. Hammerhead International Ltd asserts that the seizure was carried out without prior notice, legal warrant, or official documentation.

The company has maintained that these actions were unwarranted, leading to their prolonged legal challenge against the Ministry of Agro-industry’s decision.

Source: Defi Media