The Bloemfontein SPCA has in the past week received multiple reports of a man selling a tortoise at the Bloemfontein Showgrounds for R200. The man had eluded the SPCA for a couple of days but today a smile turned upside down. The man shown in the picture below has been arrested for charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and contraventions of the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinances 8 of 1969 and will make his first appearance in court shortly.
Further on the same day the Bloemfontein SPCA received complaints about two men trying to sell a couple month old steenbok to businesses in the south of Bloemfontein. The two men were swiftly arrested and also charged under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and contraventions of the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance 8 of 1969 and are set to make their first court appearance this following week.
“I hope this serves as a warning to all South Africans that the keeping or selling of our indigenous wild life without a permit is illegal and should you be caught in the Free State you could face hefty fines and imprisonment,” said Inspector Werner Botha.
The keeping of these wild animals even as household pets is illegal without a permit and could carry Fines of up to R100 000 or imprisonment of 10 years under the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinances. The Bloemfontein SPCA and the SPCA movement is opposed to keeping wild animals as pets.
“I often find it fascinating that people feel entitled to keep these majestic and gentle animals as pets, in my mind at least it’s rather simple what is natural in the wild should not be kept in human custody, We have such a beautiful country with bountiful and vast wildlife do we not have a responsibility to persevere our countries natural beauty for future generations,” said Inspector Werner Botha”
The tortious found at the showgrounds was placed in a bag and showed indication of dehydration after being held in the sun for an extended amount of time, Due to the quick thinking of a resident of Bloemfontein, Inspectors of the Bloemfontein SPCA and members of the South African Police service. The accused could be arrested and the tortious saved.
The little steenbok now affectionately called Bambi because of our utmost desire to see her run free and jump again is in poor condition and will require expert veterinary care to recover fully. The little steenbok is extremely emaciated and at this stage is only able to make small sounds and small increment’s in movement .The steenbok must be taken to a expert veterinarian in Johannesburg and as a result the Bloemfontein SPCA is asking for assistance from the public to save this precious piece of South Africa’s natural beauty. Donations can be made into the following account.
Bank: ABSA
Account name: BFN Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Account number: 927 910 2644
Branch code: 632 005
Reference: Bambi Or
You can send an SMS to 42646 with the word Bloemspca. (SMS cost R30) Or
Visit our website www.bloemfonteinspca.co.za and click on the donate button to do an easy payment towards Bambi – reference Bambi .
Thank you to you the supporters that help us when we and an animal need help! We appreciate all your support.
The Bloemfontein SPCA would like to thank the brave members of the public who assisted the Bloemfontein SPCA with the investigations today.
