REPTILES TREATED AS COMMODITIES – RESULTING IN SUFFERING AND DEATH The ongoing interaction by Inspectors of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) with the cargo handling industry at OR Tambo International Airport has not only drastically improved the crating conditions that animals are permitted to travel in, but has also sparked awareness amongst industry role-players about animal trade and how to put the brakes on illegal activities. The NSPCA shares yet another tragic incident of animal suffering and death related to the illegal trade of wildlife into South Africa. On 06 January 2015, NSPCA Inspectors were called to the Expedited Mail Services international mail centre at OR Tambo International Airport by a customs official after a fetid smell was noted coming from a package lying amongst piles of undelivered mail. Upon inspection, five dead and decomposing lizards (spiny rock lizards and green crocodile lizards) were found, as well as a severely dehydrated lizard which was hanging onto life. The lizard was humanely euthanased to prevent further suffering. The lizards had been posted to an address in Johannesburg from Mexico and the live animals were packed amongst sweets and toys. No provision was made for the welfare of these animals in the unventilated container. They had also embarked on their long journey without food or water. It is believed that, as a result of the postal strike, the box had been lying at the mail centre for four months before discovery. Investigations by the NSPCA in conjunction with the South African Police Services have led to the discovery of additional animals on the premises of Mr Moshe Kahn, the recipient of the package. Charges are being laid by the SAPS Organised Crime Unit for the illegal possession of animals. Charges of animal cruelty are also been laid by the NSPCA. “We are shocked that so little regard was paid to these suffering animals that were treated as commodities. NSPCA Inspectors remain vigilant to the on-going illegal trade in wild animals and we will take a hard line against perpetrators of cruelty, wherever this is encountered. This cruelty has to stop,” said Inspector Arno de Klerk of the NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:07:09 +0000
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