Leashed monkey at Dubai club infuriates online users

Vanity nightclub at the Dubai’s Al Murooj Rotana hotel has come under fire over animal abuse allegations after images began circulating earlier this week on social media, showing a monkey on a leash at the venue.

While one of the images shows the close-up of the animal, another shows a man posing with the monkey perched on its shoulder. However, the third image of a man tipping a bottle near the monkey’s mouth has horrified many on social media.

Following the backlash, Vanity issued a statement on its Facebook page, stating: “Last Tuesday, a client visited the club and managed to sneak in his pet monkey without the knowledge of the staff. We would like to assure you that the second a staff member noticed this, he/she informed the manager of the club, which immediately removed the client from the club and has been banned permanently from the club.

“We would never condone such an action and we would be more than happy to meet anyone who has concerns.”

While several have responded with disbelief as to how someone managed to sneak in a monkey past club security, responding to some comments to their post, Vanity also stated that it has terminated the promoter of the club night called 'Blackout' when it came to light the monkey was endorsing the event wearing a t-shirt with the ‘Blackout’ branding.

Hussein Hachem, Cluster General Manager of Al Bustan Rotana and Al Murooj Rotana Dubai, too issued a statement: “We deeply regret that this incident took place in Vanity Night Club, which is not managed by Al Murooj Rotana.

“This is definitely an unacceptable behaviour and against animal rights. The management of Vanity is dealing with this issue and has already issued a statement regarding the incident.”

Images of the monkey have been removed by Vanity on its official Facebook page, but a screenshot of the ape is already circulating on social media with people calling this nothing short of animal abuse.

Emma Brain commented on the site: “Shameful stunt to allow a wild animal into your venue. Photos of it chained by the neck and fed alcohol? Seriously? What were you thinking?”

Lucky Schild posted: “Do we get in free if we bring wild exotic pets to your club? That seems to be your new thing. Disgusting that you allow that type of behaviour in this city. Does it make your club more exclusive? It’s venues like this that hurt Dubai.”

Farrah Silver posted: “And you are OK with this? How could you let any innocent creature to your club and let them inhale and be tortured like this.

Does any of you have brains or you are just looking for the best of your VIP guests? Very disgusting.”

With the comments being deleted on Vanity’s Facebook page, Silver added: “And if you keep deleting I will keep posting it. If you report it I will make sure people will keep posting it till someone apologises and does something and ban that from coming to your club.”

Tiya Fa wrote: “The worst club in the world with terrible ethics. Animal abuse takes place here right under their nose.”

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