SPCA makes major chameleon bust
Local found with illegal exotic pet now has to pay fine.
Chameleons were seized by the SPCA and Wild Life Conservation with help from the Randfontein Police in the Hillside Plots area over the weekend.
It is not common knowledge that chameleons are illegal to keep as pets, sell or to breed with. Subsequently, the general public find themselves in difficult positions with regards to the law as what happened with a Randfontein local who was in possession of illegal chameleons.
The person in possession of the chameleons alleged that she got them from a friend that had caught them in an open field. In addition to having the chameleons the person also advertised them on a local online shopping site to sell. The person in question received a fine from the Wild Life Conservation as punishment.
Janette Muller, inspector for the Randfontein SPCA urges residents not to buy illegal animals.
“Do not buy illegal animals as you create a business for the illegal sellers. The less you buy, the less likely they are to continue selling.”
Any resident who is found in the possession of an animal of this nature illegally will be fined.
Other animals that are require a permit:
• Tortoises
• Snakes
• Spiders
• South African Hedgehogs
• Meerkat
• Monkeys
In fact, any animal that is South African indigenous wildlife and that could contribute to a decline in the species.
“This was is a small victory for the preservation of these kinds of animals and we hope that residents will think twice or do some research before buying an exotic pet,” says Muller.
To report any person in possession of an illegal animal call the Randfontein SPCA on 011 411 3114 or 011 753 1829.
