The NSPCA’s relentless pursuit of justice has resulted in a landmark victory for the welfare of South Africa’s lions.
South Africa (18 September 2023) – In a landmark victory for the welfare of South Africa’s majestic lions, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has achieved a significant milestone in its relentless battle against the cruel and negligent confinement of these magnificent creatures.
This triumphant moment stands as a beacon of hope in a nation plagued by the grim legacy of lion exploitation, including commercial breeding, canned hunting, lion bone trade, cub petting, and deceptive volunteering opportunities for tourists.
The journey towards justice began with an initial inspection of the Steilfontein farm in Petrus Steyn, Free State, back in January 2022. This operation involved a collaborative effort between NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit Inspector Jason Page, Bloemfontein SPCA Inspectors, and Provincial Nature Conservation authorities. It also received support from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). From the very start, this inspection revealed a litany of welfare concerns that would persist through subsequent visits. Astonishingly, these issues included animals being deprived of clean drinking water, inadequate shelter, and the inhumane confinement of animals in unhygienic enclosures, contaminated by an abundance of fresh and calcified faeces and rotting meat. The resulting putrid odour attracted swarms of flies that tormented the helpless animals.
As time passed, the conditions at Steilfontein farm only deteriorated further, both in terms of management and animal welfare standards. Overcrowding became a pressing issue, blatantly violating permitting conditions. A final inspection, conducted by the Wildlife Protection Unit’s Mpho Mokoena, uncovered two white lionesses exhibiting clear signs of lameness in their back legs, indicative of pain and discomfort.
The grim evidence accumulated during these inspections painted a stark picture of the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon these captive lions. It was abundantly clear that the farm’s owner, Mr Gert Claasen, had shown a blatant disregard for the law, leading the NSPCA to charge him with seven counts of contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The wheels of justice began to turn in June 2022, culminating in a momentous courtroom showdown on August 30, 2023.
In a resounding victory for the welfare of lions and a stern warning to those who exploit them, the Court found Mr Claasen guilty of contravening the Act, specifically Section 2(1)(1) [neglect]. The accused was handed a fine of R4,000, which could be converted to 12 months’ imprisonment, a sentence that was wholly suspended for five years.
This ruling sets a precedent that reverberates throughout the captive predator breeding industry, sending a clear message that those who disregard the essential freedoms of these animals will be held accountable. The Court’s statement, urging Mr Claasen to alert his fellow captive predator breeders, and the NSPCA’s commitment to alert the public, ensures that this victory serves as a catalyst for positive change.
As the NSPCA continues its unrelenting fight to protect all animals, we are reminded that victories like these are not only about justice but also about safeguarding the inherent rights and dignity of the creatures we share our planet with. South Africa’s lions, once unjustly confined and neglected, can now glimpse a brighter future, thanks to the tireless efforts of those who champion their cause.
by 