Prison For Animals To Re-Open In Bloemfontein

The NSPCA has confirmed that the Free State Department: Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has issued import permits for small cats and primates, at this stage, despite the glaring animal welfare concerns. We have further confirmation that no holding permits (to house the animals) has been issued at this stage, as it will apparently only be done once the animals are already at the zoo – which is impractical, short-sighted, and not considering the welfare of the animals holistically.

Countless animals suffered under the care of the Bloemfontein Zoo, which now has its sights on the Municipality’s “Community Services” budget to fund the zoo, until a formal budget for the zoo is approved. This raises the question, where are funds for crucial, basic services diverted from to support an archaic and cruel practice? The Municipality is motivated to open the zoo as a revenue stream for the struggling local government.

The NSPCA is convinced that DESTEA has failed to consider animal welfare in its decision-making process, which is contrary to the NSPCA’s landmark High Court judgment, which requires functionaries to consider animal welfare, irrespective of whether they have an animal welfare mandate. Further, the housing conditions at the zoo remain as deplorable as in 2020, when the zoo was permanently closed. It is not conducive to the well-being of any animals.

We have instructed our attorneys to address DESTEA and demand an undertaking that no holding permits will be issued, failing which we will have no option but to approach the High Court on an urgent basis.

We call on all South Africans to stand with us at this crucial juncture, to oppose the exploitation and suffering of these sentient beings, purely for human gain.