Duck ‘n Deck reptiles under quarantine at SPCA
The snakes are being kept under the watchful eye of the SPCA.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA is working with Consultant Herpetologist, Dr Angelo Lambiris to ensure that the reptiles removed from the Duck ‘n Deck Animal Farm in Assagay are getting the correct care.
The 12 snakes, 2 lizards and 6 mice were confiscated from the Duck ‘n Deck after a visit by SPCA inspector, Nikki Vacy-Lyle who found the animals living in unhygienic conditions and in need of veterinary treatment.
She found six dead snakes and two dead mice and the remaining snakes were found to be dehydrated, hungry and some of them had external parasites.
The animals were taken back to the Kloof and Highway premises where according to Cheri Cooke, Inspectorate Manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA they have been put into in a heated room on the property.
The snake’s cages have been enriched with suitable substrate and extra logs and sticks and a large water bowl provided for the African Rock Python to allow it to completely submerge its body in the water to sufficiently hydrate itself.
“We are working closely with Dr Lambiris, whose knowledge of snakes is phenomenal. The snakes have been treated for parasites and being fed and are doing well,” said Cooke.
One of the mice had died the day after confiscation due to its poor condition.
A request to view the reptiles was denied as she said they were under quarantine for disease control and had been through enough stress.
Dr Lambiris confirmed that the snakes are under a 60 day quarantine.
”The Pythons are currently being held in strict quarantine at the Kloof SPCA, and in the time that they have been there, they have improved considerably in their general condition, physically and psychologically. Strict quarantine is essential because Pythons and Boas are susceptible to a viral infection called Inclusion Body Disease.”
“Apart from this, there is a pretty impressive list of diseases that can be passed from humans to retpiles, and from reptiles to humans. Some are relatively mild, but others can be lethal.
“Whenever reptiles have been kept under less than perfect conditions, there should always be a high suspicion of zoonotic diseases, until proven otherwise – and, therefore, quarantine in all cases is a necessary and sensible precaution.”
The SPCA has obtained permits from KZN Wildlife for the two pythons.
A case was opened at the Hillcrest Police station on Tuesday, 19 August. The Kloof and Highway SPCA will charge the owners of the Duck ‘n Deck, Cheryl and Geoff Evennett, under the Animals Protection Act for confining the animals with inadequate space and ventilation; starving or under-feeding; allowing the animals to be contaminated by external parasites and failing to provide veterinary treatment and causing unnecessary suffering.
“The Duck ‘n Deck were charging people to look at these animals but they didn’t care about the welfare of the snakes and rodents. Ignorance is no excuse, if they had asked for assistance after receiving the warning, we would have been more than happy to assist in any way. The lack of effort on their part shows they really did not care. For them it is a just a business venture that went bad,” said Cooke.
“Of course we are remorseful and we have handed the snakes over to SPCA to find homes. Its important that the public know that we have never had a farm animal confiscated or removed by the SPCA. This was an isolated incident with the snakes and we will never take a chance on a third party again,” said Cheryl Evennett.
Cheryl also said that social media has affected their business by putting rumours out there that they are closed and that all their animals are starving.
“We have had some parties and school excursions cancel due to the misconception in the SPCA’s report that our animals are starving. To date we have not had a report from the SPCA and have only read in media reports that we have been charged.”
“We have with heavy hearts watching all the threads on Facebook and the comments. We have made notes of what the public have said and will try our best to keep up this beautiful farm.”
The Duck ‘n Deck have requested that if visitors to the farm have any concerns to find someone in charge and report it there and then to them directly so that any issues can be addressed and sorted out straight away.
@ Cheryl Evennett…RUBBISH !! we used to live not far from Duck and Deck and I took my sons there just the once. Such poor conditions that the animals were kept in and that was about 5 years ago. Nothing more than a money making racket with no thought to the animal’s welfare. I myself reported to the SPCA in regards to a bird being kept in a small cage on it’s own…truth be told..there was mo room for any other bird !!
Sorry but I don’t buy the “ignorance is bliss” part by the owners …… if you have creatures there to attract the public you have to be somewhat blind not to notice that they are infested, dead, etc.
Sorry but I don’t buy the “ignorance is bliss” part by the owners …… if you have creatures there to attract the public you have to be somewhat blind not to notice that they are infested, dead, etc.
I went there about 5 years back. One poor donkey was pulling a cart up and down a slop, he battled up the hill but charged down it being forced with the weight of the load with kids and parents with no rest inbetween. It was horrible, i never went back after seeing that.