EXCLUSIVE: SPCA investigates allegations of cruelty after inspection at Bedfordview expo

Party Animals SA deny allegations of animal cruelty.

June 12, 2019

Miguel Abrahams 1 minute read

Taryn Bannister, cadet inspector at Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA said this pen of 3x3 metres, should have been 5x5 metres for each animal. This photograph was taken by the NEWS when it covered the expo.

Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA stands by its findings against Party Animals SA following an inspection of its animal stall at a Bedfordview expo on June 1. Duwayne Smith from Party Animals SA has since denied allegations of animal cruelty.

Also read: Edenvale veterinarian considers legal action against NSPCA

This came after Cannelle de Ruig visited the Alchemy Holistic and Wellness Expo at Jeppe Quondam and later posted photos of the stall on social media, showing, what she described as animals in “small cages with no room to move and situated right next to a live band playing loud music”.

Taryn Bannister, cadet inspector for Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA said after inspecting the Party Animals SA stand, she found the bearded dragon had an infection in the left eye. This photograph was taken by the NEWS when it covered the expo.

Also read: Animals under attack in Edenvale

Samantha Branders and Jovan Bevie from the Alchemy Holistic and Wellness Expo said they were unaware of any ill treatment of animals.

Both said said that when they became aware of de Ruig’s social media post, they contacted Party Animals SA to collect the animals and leave the expo.

Smith denied the allegations and said the SPCA did not find any fault and provided guidelines on providing water for the animals.

Also read: Animal Anti-Cruelty League: The result of fireworks

Unaware of the allegations that would surface later, Brandon Horvatic was one of several visitors who interacted with the animals prior to the online allegations of animal cruelty. This photograph was taken by the NEWS when it covered the expo.

SPCA cadet inspector Taryn Bannister stood by her findings detailed in this week’s front page article of the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS. She said Inspector Jabu Naywene will be taking over the case for further investigation.

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Despite several attempts to obtain further comment from Smith on the findings of the SPCA, no comment was received. These attempts are also detailed in this week’s edition of the NEWS.

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