A decision by Texas wildlife officials to permit the killing of wild Japanese snow monkeys in South Texas is being condemned by advocates of animal rights.

"This is appalling," said Kathi Travers, director of exotic animals for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Now it's going to be hunting season in Texas on monkeys. Shame on the people of Texas if they allow it."

In a memorandum dated June 23, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said, "Free-roaming monkeys may be shot by anyone who either has a hunting license or feels the monkeys are causing property damage or threat to humans or livestock."

State officials also said that the animals, which the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say can carry the herpes B and hepatitis B viruses, posed a small health risk to people.