NSPCA mulling legal action against Sheba's owners
In Gauteng, permits are not required to keep exotic
wildlife. The only permit currently required is an import permit.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is mulling legal action against the owner of Sheba.
Sheba is the tigress that was shot dead after escaping her enclosure on private property in Walkerville, Gauteng.
During the escape last weekend, Sheba attacked a 39-year-old man and killed his dog and a pig.
On Tuesday night, the tiger killed another dog.
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In a strongly worded statement, NSPCA Public Relations officer, Keshvi Nair said the society was considering legal action as it is opposed to the keeping of wildlife in captivity.
“This is not the first case of a wild animal escaping captivity, nor is it the first time that the animal is made to pay the price for irresponsibility and lack of human compassion,” said Nair.
She says animals in captivity are subjected to extreme cruelty as their freedom is stolen from them because they are confined to cages, filthy living conditions and the inability to express their natural behaviour.
Nair says due to basic legislation and no inspections by authorities, it has become far too easy for the general public to own and breed dangerous and exotic wild animals.
“In Gauteng, permits are not required to keep exotic wildlife. The only permit currently required is an import permit.”
Nair says the basic legislation is written for the convenience of people who wish to exploit these animals.
“The welfare of the animal is certainly not taken into consideration, and the safety of the community is disregarded as well.
“If the welfare of the animals and the people were taken into account, these animals would not be kept in captivity, and the community would be protected from the dangers of an escaped wild animal," she said.
Correcting earlier reports, Nair said the tigress was not captured and then euthanized but that the owner failed to capture her safely and, ultimately, she was shot and killed after entering a populated dwelling in the area.
He says the NSPCA and the local SPCA (Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark) were not contacted and did not form part of the decision to shoot and kill the animal.
