GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - A joint operation in the Great Brak area led to the arrest of two people, the surrendering of glue traps and the issuing of compliance notices to several spaza shops.
Glue traps with sticky surfaces are used to trap animals. Great Brak Police, the Garden Route SPCA, the Western Cape Department of Home Affairs' Immigration Services, the Police Sea Border Unit, the Border Management Authority and local law enforcement carried out the operation on 7 August.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said two suspects were arrested - one "undocumented" person and the employer for employing an undocumented person.
Also, are a result of the joint operation, a 45-year-old woman was taken into custody after abalone was found at her premises. Spies said compliance inspections at spaza shops were also conducted and several compliance notices were issued.
"This operation was part of various actions aimed against illegal activities. Similar operations will be held to safeguard communities," he said.
Garden Route SPCA, Mossel Bay branch manager Elize Goosen said the SPCA was called to assist in the operation held in the Wolwedans and Greenhaven areas of Great Brak.
Abalone was found during the operation.
Photo: Supplied
The SPCA posted on its Facebook page that its mission was to address animal related concerns and safeguard the wellbeing of all animals in the community.
"During this operation, several spaza shops were inspected, and our team provided valuable education to shop owners about the dangers of poison and glue traps. We are grateful that many willingly surrendered these harmful traps to us for destruction," noted the post.
"It has been our experience that glue traps are inhumane and irresponsible, and their sale and use may potentially violate the Animal Protection Act, No. 71 of 1962, which carries criminal charges, fines and imprisonment."
The organisation posted that the objections to glue traps included: the manner of death for any creature caught in these traps is prolonged and inhumane. The animal is immobilised and left to suffer until it dies of dehydration, starvation, and/or exhaustion; any animal can be caught in these traps. There are several known cases of kittens and fledglings being caught in these traps; these traps do not effectively solve rodent infestation problems and there are no controls are in place to restrict or limit their sale (age restrictions, information on trap use, or warnings on misuse).
Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay trainee field officer Kurt Remas, inspector Thembinkosi Malinga, field officer Wally Wagenaar and inspector Mariaan Wentzel. Photo: Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay
"Many suppliers in South Africa have recognised the legal risks of selling these products and have ceased their distribution. We strongly urge shops to stop the production, distribution, use, or sale of glue traps to prevent further action from being necessary," noted the post.
The SPCA also stated that it addressed various animal-related issues, issuing warnings and notices to ensure compliance. In some cases, animals were surrendered to the SPCA due to concerns from their owners and our team.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the law enforcement and police teams for their unwavering support in our fight against animal cruelty. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of animals."
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