Acting on a lead given, NSPCA Inspectors undertook an Inspection of this facility on 28 November 2019. Tigers on the property appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion and were living in dirty and unhygienic conditions. 

The NSPCA's Douglas Wolhuter says: "It was evident that their enclosures had not been cleaned in some time. Other issues found included tigers being confined with unpotable drinking water, inadequate shelter, and a lack of bathing facilities."

Wolhuter points out that tigers are an exotic species and are not fully adapted to handle the high temperatures that are common in the North West Province during South African summers. 

"The onus is therefore on the owner to provide an environment conducive to the animal's welfare no matter the cost or inconvenience," he says. 

"To keep tigers in these conditions is unacceptable, and in fact, this is a prime example of why we should not be keeping exotic species in South Africa or any wild animal in captivity for that matter," said Wolhuter. 

 The owners have been charged with violating the Animals Protection Act as well as for being in contravention of the keeping permit that was issued by the North West Department: Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism. 

Jacaranda FM