The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is disturbed at the suffering caused by octopus traps being used at False Bay, in the Western Cape. This in light of the most recent three whales that were caught in these traps – two of which succumbed to death.
These are just three incidents of the numerous bycatch horrors, as well as irresponsible utilisation of the traps where the target species, octopus, have remained caught in these traps for days on end.
The NSPCA have issued a warning to the permit holder, confirming that the irresponsible use of these traps is a contravention of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 and may result in criminal prosecution.
It has come to light that the company utilising these traps has been operating under an exploratory permit which was issued 17 years ago by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The NSPCA supports the proposed motion to place a moratorium on the permit, and is corresponding with the department in this regard.
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