The three lions that were illegally kept on a plot in Dennydale Agricultural Holdings have been removed from their confinement and placed in a sanctuary.
Also read: Man arrested for keeping lions on plot without permit
This was confirmed by Public Relations Officer for the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), Keshvi Nair.
The lions were removed through a joint operation between the NSPCA, Rand West SPCA, Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary, as well as the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).
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“Earlier this month, the NSPCA was contacted by GDARD regarding the illegal possession and captivity of three lions at a property in Randfontein. We then together with the Rand West SPCA inspected the property, after which a case was opened by GDARD, This was for the illegal possession of the lions which is a contravention of the National Environmental Biodiversity Act and the relevant Threatened or Protected Species regulations,” said Nair.
The NSPCA arranged for the three lions to be moved to the Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary, which is an NSPCA-accredited facility. The Aspinall Foundation also provided vital assistance in terms of funding and veterinary services required for the transfer.
Dr Peter Caldwell, a wildlife specialist veterinarian, performed a basic health check on each lion, and also micro-chipped, vaccinated, and de-wormed them before their departure.
“The keeping of any wild animal in captivity results in the welfare of that animal being compromised.
“Wild animals removed from captivity should be allowed to either be released safely back into the wild or, in cases where that is not possible, they should be placed into the care of an accredited sanctuary that does not exploit the animals by allowing public interaction
“The NSPCA strongly opposes the keeping of wildlife in captivity and holds the firm view that wild animals belong in the wild. Our mission is to prevent animal cruelty in all its forms, and this includes advocating for wildlife and combating the cruelty they are so often subjected to,” Nair concluded.
Meanwhile, police initially arrested a 43-year-old man after he was found in possession of the lions, without a valid permit on March 15.
Randfontein Police spokesperson Sergeant Carmen Hendricks said police officers were acting on a tip-off when they made the arrests.
