Brothers’ better Pet and Bird Farm

Meet the brothers Saunders who are bettering the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm.

Garry and Jeandré Saunders took over the ownership and management of the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm on 15 January and have been hard at work ever since.

The Pet and Bird Farm received harsh criticism from the SPCA in the media last year when it was found in a wretched and neglected state. The SPCA had at the time confiscated 36 animals and removed a few carcasses from the property. Before and after exposing the Pet and Bird Farm, then managed by Glenn Hatfield, the SPCA had undertaken regular and unscheduled visits to the Farm. Since the takeover, the Pet and Bird Farm is notably cleaner, animals get the right food and have clean drinking water. The reptiles have tailored habitats according to their needs. The birds are rotated regularly between the sunlight outside and their spot in the shop.

The SPCA did not have to issue a warning after their last visit in May, but will continue making unscheduled visits to ensure the animals’ welfare, says senior inspector Eric Taljaard.

Although Garry is pretty occupied with Garry’s Garden, a nursery at the opposite end of the lot, Jeandré throws himself into whatever challenges arise at the Farm. The way he pets and admires the reptiles, birds and fish on his side of the lot speaks of his passion for animals. His true passion lies with aquatic life and he plans to expand the aquatic section of the shop, wanting to include marine aquariums and related accessories.

“Also, I have to sleep at night,” he continuously says.

“I don’t want to be responsible for an animal suffering, being cold and hungry or in a dirty environment.”

Having split the responsibility of the Pet and Bird Farm and the Jungle Nook Zoo works well for both the Saunders’ and the Gomes’, and they get together regularly to discuss further improvements.

The brothers are planning a big reopening event for the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm in September.