On the 20th of January 2020, the Randburg SPCA Inspectorate executed a search and seizure warrant at the residence of the Vice-Chairperson of the Parrot Breeders Association of South Africa, Antonie Meiring. Accompanied by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinarian and members of the Douglasdale SAPS, the Inspectorate seized 20 animals, for being kept in abhorrent conditions and which in the opinion of the accompanying veterinarian, required medical intervention.
“It is an offence to keep any animal in a dirty or parasitic condition in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.” Said Inspector Mahube of the Randburg SPCA.
The Inspectors and veterinarian found there to be animals kept upon the premises in dirty and parasitic conditions. Parrot cages were infested with large rats, and some enclosures were found to be obstructed with spider webs to the point where birds were unable to fly inside the enclosure and had to resort to climbing. The owner was found to be in possession of 3 Lesser Bushbabies, without being in possession of a permit. More than 150 dead parrots were seen on the premises in what can only be described as a horrific scene.
The matter is currently being investigated by the Randburg SPCA Inspectorate, and criminal charges will be laid against the owner, pending consultation with officers of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and expert Veterinarians.
The Inspectorate is currently dealing with senior management at the Parrot Breeders Association of South Africa (PASA), in which they hope disciplinary action shall be taken against the individual who is bound by the Code of Conduct and Code of Practice, promulgated by PASA.
“The conditions which these animals are forced to endure is nothing short of deplorable. I was shocked to witness over 150 dead parrots on the property. One would expect that the Vice-Chairperson of the Parrot Breeders Association of South Africa, would comply with his own Code of Conduct and Code of Practice. This is a crime, the animals were found to be kept under offensive conditions, and we will be dealing with relevant role-players, as people must be held accountable for the negligence observed at the premises, no person is above the law, and it is my job to remind perpetrators of that.” Said Inspector Shiven Bodasing of the Randburg SPCA.
Source – Randburg SPCA
In Other News – Over 24 000 drunk drivers arrested over festive season – Bheki Cele
Police Minister Bheki Cele said police had their hands full during the festive period as they had to arrest thousands who broke the law. Police Minister Bheki Cele on Tuesday said the number of people arrested on the country’s roads for drunk driving during the festive season increased by 19.5%.
Cele said over 24,000 drunk drivers were taken off the roads by police during the holiday period. He’s also revealed that during the same period, police shut down over 6,000 liquor outlets for non-compliance. Cele said of the over 6,000 liquor outlets shut down, over 2,000 of those were in the Eastern Cape. continue reading
