Reptiles are frequently overlooked, both in welfare laws and public sentiment – this is a win worth celebrating!
Johannesburg, South Africa (26 November 2025) – A major animal-cruelty case reached sentencing at the Palm Ridge Court this week after more than 50 animals, including illegally poached indigenous reptiles, were found in severe distress on a Johannesburg property.
Some were starving or dehydrated, others were critically ill. Several had already died. Even for the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital’s team, who work with wildlife daily, the scene was one of the worst they had ever encountered.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Vet team, with help from SAPS, removed the surviving animals and began treatment, while the case moved to prosecution.
This week, justice was served.
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During sentencing, Magistrate Davies called it out for what it was. Utter cruelty on a huge scale. Davies also reminded the court that all animals are sentient beings who suffer just as humans would suffer.
A key outcome of the case, and the part that makes it a landmark moment, is the clarification of legal responsibility within a household.
The reptiles had been kept on the property by a minor child. Historically, this loophole has often made prosecution difficult. Adults would claim the animals ‘belonged to the child,’ effectively distancing themselves from culpability.
In cruelty cases involving exotic pets, reptiles and illegally kept wildlife, this excuse has been used to avoid meaningful consequences.
But this court shut that door firmly.
Magistrate Davies ruled that parents and legal guardians are fully responsible for any animals kept on their property, regardless of who claims ownership.
“The court ruled that parents and legal guardians are fully responsible for animals kept on their property — even if those animals “belong” to a minor child. This includes ensuring safe housing, appropriate care, and lawful possession. Neglect on this scale cannot be excused or ignored.” shared the team.
This ruling is important because it sets a precedent for reptile and exotic pet cases, where neglect often happens out of sight. It also reinforces that minors cannot legally own or be solely responsible for animals, and adults cannot sidestep cruelty charges by shifting blame.
When animal cruelty happens on a property, the responsible adults will be held accountable.
Both adults in this case received fines totalling R20,000 or 24 months’ imprisonment, and a 20-year ban on owning any animal, of any species.
Reptiles are sadly overlooked, both in welfare laws and public sentiment, despite the fact that they experience pain, stress and distress just like any other animal.
“Snakes – and so many other scaly, misunderstood beings – are so often treated as if they are somehow less deserving of compassion simply because they aren’t fluffy or familiar. Misconceptions, fear, and old myths have done them no favours. But they feel pain. They suffer. And they are just as vulnerable to cruelty as any other animal in human hands.” shared the Johannesburg Wildlife Vet.
A case treated with this level of seriousness sends an important message.
“Cruelty toward any animal — even those often overlooked, like reptiles — will be met with accountability.”
Johannesburg Wildlife Vet treats indigenous wildlife free of charge and relies entirely on donations to intervene in cases like this, rescue animals in crisis, and continue their conservation work. Find out how you can support them here.
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