08-07-2025
SPCA to lay criminal charges against Mossel Bay municipality
The Garden Route SPCA said it would be pressing criminal charges against the Mossel Bay Municipality, relating to the 'cruelty and suffering of animals at Harry Giddey Park'.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser reports that the charges, under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, follow the euthanisation of 52 tortoises and several birds in Harry Giddey Park in October last year, due to illness and neglect.
The Mossel Bay Municipality, who is the authority over the park, then instituted an internal investigation in November, and the findings were made public in late June this year. Some of these included unauthorised animal sales, animal neglect and euthanisation, and asset mismanagement.
It also found there was non-compliance at the park in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act, and the municipality's supply chain management and asset management policies.
The findings were tabled in a report and presented in a council meeting on June 27, where it was accepted by council that same day. Read this report and Mossel Bay Advertiser's previous article on it here: Internal audit review of Harry Giddey Park on council agenda
The SPCA's statement, by area manager Cheri Cooke, issued today (July 8) on behalf of the Garden Route SPCA's management committee, stated that the decision to proceed with criminal charges was not one that was taken lightly.
'The cruelty discovered at the park in September 2024 was severe. Our inspectors found animals living in conditions of neglect and distress, and humane euthanasia was necessary to end the suffering in several heart-breaking cases,' said Cooke in the statement.
'In the 10 months since, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, providing the municipality with evidence, attending meetings, and giving every possible opportunity for accountability to be taken and corrective action implemented.
'Unfortunately, the cruelty that occurred has still not been addressed formally, and no action has been taken against those responsible. We can no longer wait. The SPCA is bound by law and by principle to act when cruelty occurs,' Cooke said.
'As this matter now enters the legal arena, we reaffirm our commitment: to protect those who cannot speak, to uphold the law, and to pursue justice without fear or favour.'
A media enquiry has been sent to the municipality asking for its response to the SPCA's intention on pressing criminal charges against it. The response will be added to this article as soon as the Advertiser has received it.
See the SPCA's full statement below:
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