Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Garden Route SPCA has opened a case against the Mossel Bay Municipality at the Mossel Bay Police Station on 27 July, following the alleged instances of neglect and animal cruelty at Harry Giddey Park, ultimately resulting in the euthanisation of 52 tortoises and several birds there.
The Southern Cape Police's spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, confirmed a case was opened and said investigations were under way.
The municipality told Mossel Bay Advertiser it was aware of the case against it and that it had no further comments at this stage.
Cheri Cooke, the Garden Route SPCA's area manager, said they are in contact with the investigating officer on the case.
On 8 July, the SPCA announced in a statement that it would be laying criminal charges against the municipality under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The society said it had found severe cases of animal cruelty and neglect at the park in October last year, which included highly contagious and incurable illnesses and worm infestations in the tortoises and birds.
The municipality is the authority of the park and the animals that are kept there.
The Advertiser has reported extensively on Harry Giddey Park since October. See more articles below.
Previous articles:
- More evidence gathered for Harry Giddey Park case
- Harry Giddey case: Who will stand in court?
- SPCA to lay criminal charges against Mossel Bay Municipality
- Harry Giddey Park probe still in progress, municipality says
- Park animal deaths: investigation at 'advanced stage'
- Municipality still wants animals at park
- More details on SPCA's 'devastating' findings at Harry Giddey Park
- CapeNature last inspected park in 2021
- Harry Giddey Park birds removed, some euthanised
- Park tortoises had 'respiratory tract disease'
- CapeNature to follow up on expired captivity permit
- Motion brought in council about Harry Giddey Park
- Park tortoises euthanised
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