Harry Giddey Park probe still in progress, municipality says

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipality has stated that the internal investigation into the conditions in which animals were kept at Harry Giddey Park is still in progress.

In February this year, the municipality responded to questions sent by Mossel Bay Advertiser regarding the status of the investigation, stating it was "at an advanced stage".

The Advertiser sent follow-up questions to the municipality on Monday, 31 March, asking whether the investigation had been concluded or not, what the outcome was, the current progress of repairs at the park and the animals that may be housed at the park in future.

The Advertiser reported extensively on the matter, including on the animals' condition, the euthanisation of the 52 tortoises at the park and several birds after they tested positive for diseases, expired CapeNature permits for keeping the tortoises and some birds, and the repairs to the park following significant damage to it caused by flooding in December 2022 and January 2023.

The Advertiser also previously reported that despite the SPCA's recommendation not to keep animals at the park in the future, the municipality has said it would continue to keep animals there.

In response to the Advertiser's follow-up questions, the municipality stated: "A comprehensive internal investigation has been mandated by the municipality and is still in progress."

It noted: "The outcome of the report will be dealt with in terms of the relevant applicable legislation and delegations of the municipality. A full report regarding the future and animals to be housed in the park will be submitted to council for consideration and resolution."

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