The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) conducted a pro-active follow-up inspection at a large-scale tiger breeding facility in Klerksdorp, North West, on Monday, 24 January 2025. What our inspectors uncovered was a scene of unimaginable suffering and neglect, further exposing the grim reality behind South Africa’s commercial captive predator industry.
The follow-up inspection was prompted by a previous incident at the facility, where a tiger – one of at the time 81 kept at the site – was mauled by another tiger three weeks ago, sustaining injuries to its torso, throat, and neck. The NSPCA had initially visited the facility to assess the conditions and returned to ensure that the injured animal had received adequate veterinary care. What we found instead was beyond disturbing.
Cruelty and neglect uncovered at a tiger breeding facility
The wounded tiger had resorted to self-mutilation. She had gnawed, licked, and scratched at her front paws to the extent that she had exposed her bones, and tendons. Her nails had been entirely worn away – save for one – leaving raw, penetrating bone clearly visible. The animal was unable to walk properly and was seen struggling even when food was placed before her.
The horror lies in the sheer neglect this tiger endured. The extent of her suffering did not happen overnight – it would have taken several days for her condition to deteriorate this severely. And yet, the facility’s owners did nothing to intervene.
With no viable alternatives due to the extent of her injuries and suffering, the NSPCA had no choice but to humanely euthanise the tiger. However, when our Wildlife Protection Unit attempted to remove the carcass for veterinary examination, the owner refused – callously stating, “That’s money”.
“That’s money”.
Self-mutiliation resulted in severe wounds, which were left untreated
Shockingly, the NSPCA’s inspectors were then prevented from leaving the enclosure where they had worked, as the owner refused to open the gates. Prioritising the safety of our staff, the NSPCA made the difficult decision to leave the carcass behind.
This facility has long been under scrutiny due to its ties to the illegal predator bone trade and other criminal enterprises. Despite frequent inspections, legal loopholes and the failure of provincial authorities to enforce adequate welfare standards have allowed operations like this to continue under the guise of “legal breeding.” The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) allegedly conducted an inspection just ten days prior – raising serious concerns about regulatory oversight and potential complicity.
Furthermore, the facility’s owner was unable to produce the required permits for the tigers upon request, raising red flags regarding compliance with national and international conservation regulations. Tigers are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly regulates the trade of tiger bones and derivatives to prevent their exploitation in terms of international trade.
The NSPCA is compiling a docket and will be prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law. We will not stand by while animals endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of profit-driven breeders.
The public must understand the reality of South Africa’s captive predator industry. Behind the high fences of facilities like this, animals suffer in silence for financial gain. The NSPCA will continue to expose these cruel operations and fight for the welfare and well-being of all wildlife.
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