MOSSEL BAY NEWS - It is six months after Mossel Bay Municipality commissioned an internal investigation into the conditions of the animals kept at Harry Giddey Park and there is still no conclusion.

The Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch has noted, however, that following a meeting with the municipality on Monday, 12 May, the municipality had assured it that a full report of the investigation with recommendations will be submitted to council before the end of June this year.

The municipality is the authority over the park and was responsible for the welfare and care of the animals, which were kept there.

Neglect

In November last year, at a special council meeting, the municipality accepted a report by the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch on its findings at the park, which included the neglect, poor feeding practices and poor hygiene of several animals at the park.

All 52 tortoises at the park were euthanised in October last year following positive test results for the highly contagious mycoplasma/herpes infection.

They were also found to be suffering from a severe worm infection. Several of the birds also had to be euthanised after they tested positive for the fatal and contagious psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD).

Mossel Bay Advertiser has sent questions to the municipality several times this year regarding the progress of the investigation, what the current state of the park is after repairs were taking place there last year, and what animals will be housed there again and when.

Internal investigation

The municipality's response has been consistent each time: "A comprehensive internal investigation has been mandated by the municipality and is still in progress. The outcome of the report will be dealt with in terms of the relevant applicable legislation and delegations of the municipality.

Furthermore, a full report regarding the future and animals to be housed in the park will be submitted to council for consideration and resolution."

The Advertiser had also sent questions to the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch regarding the investigation.

The SPCA said in a statement to the Advertiser that the municipal manager, Colin Puren, had affirmed during the meeting on 12 May his commitment to expedite and finalise the investigation.

"During the meeting, both parties again emphasised the importance of the wellbeing of animals and the good management of Harry Giddey Park.

"The municipal manager conveyed the municipality's gratitude to the SPCA for its selfless service to the community and said the investigation would be concluded without delay," said the SPCA. 

‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’