SPCA to lay criminal charges against Mossel Bay Municipality

Breaking News

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Garden Route SPCA has said it would be pressing criminal charges against the Mossel Bay Municipality, relating to the “cruelty and suffering of animals at Harry Giddey Park”.

These charges, under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, follow the euthanisation of 52 tortoises and several birds in Harry Giddey Park in October last year, due to illness and neglect.

The Mossel Bay Municipality, who is the authority over the park, then instituted an internal investigation in November, and the findings were made public in late June this year. Some of these included unauthorised animal sales, animal neglect and euthanisation, and asset mismanagement.

It also found there was non-compliance at the park in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), and the municipality’s supply chain management and asset management policies.

The findings were tabled in a report and presented in a council meeting on 27 June, where it was accepted by council that same day. Read this report and Mossel Bay Advertiser’s previous article on it here: Internal audit review of Harry Giddey Park on council agenda

The SPCA’s statement, by area manager Cheri Cooke, issued today, 8 July on behalf of the Garden Route SPCA’s management committee, stated that the decision to proceed with criminal charges was not one that was taken lightly.

“The cruelty discovered at the park in September 2024 was severe. Our inspectors found animals living in conditions of neglect and distress, and humane euthanasia was necessary to end the suffering in several heartbreaking cases,” said Cooke in the statement.

“In the 10 months since, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, providing the municipality with evidence, attending meetings, and giving every possible opportunity for accountability to be taken and corrective action implemented.

“Unfortunately, the cruelty that occurred has still not been addressed formally, and no action has been taken against those responsible. We can no longer wait. The SPCA is bound by law and by principle to act when cruelty occurs,” Cooke said.

“As this matter now enters the legal arena, we reaffirm our commitment: to protect those who cannot speak, to uphold the law, and to pursue justice without fear or favour.”

See the SPCA’s full statement below:

The Mossel Bay Municipality said it acknowledges the Garden Route SPCA's statement regarding its intention to proceed with laying criminal charges against the municipality under the Animals Protection Act (Act 71 of 1962).

Mossel Bay Advertiser asked the municipality to respond to the SPCA's statement. It said it remains committed to the implementation of the council resolution following the internal investigation, and the remedial actions that are still to come.

It said the council is committed to upholding the five freedoms of animals, which include freedom from pain, hunger, fear and the right to express normal behaviour.

The municipality referred back to its statement from 27 June, following the council meeting during which Municipal Manager Colin Puren said the municipality seeks to restore trust through accountability,

commitment to transparency and reform.

Puren said a detailed report on the long-term future of animal care at Harry Giddey Park would be submitted to council in due course for consideration.

See the municipality's full response below: