Photo: NSPCA
The NSPCA uncovered shocking conditions at a lion breeding farm in the Free State in including more than a dozen dead lions in a freezer.
Photo: NSPCA
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) recently uncovered shocking conditions at a lion breeding farm in the Free State, including 13 lion carcasses discovered in a locked freezer container. The lion carcasses were stored together with the lion food supply.
“Due to existing animal welfare concerns found at the lion breeding farm, the NSPCA’s concern over the lion carcasses is not only based on how these lions were kept while alive but also, how they died.”
The NSPCA said it has reasonable cause to believe the deaths were not natural.
“Due to their suspicions, 7 of the 13 carcasses were seized in terms of our warrant conditions and were sent for full post-mortem analysis and report.”
NSPCA said a joint inspection initiated by the NSPCA with the Environmental Management Inspectors from DESTEA was carried out earlier this month on a lion breeding farm in the Free State Province.
“The inspection carried outmatched that of an old familiar scene NSPCA Inspectors are familiar with regarding lion farming.”
The other lions who were lucky to be alive were also found in a bad state.
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The NSPCA said it is in the process of extended investigations, including gathering further evidence to ensure that justice is found for these lions.
“The African lion is one of the most loved and iconic animals of the world, making them one of the biggest drawcards for travellers to Africa. However, most of South Africa’s lions are held in captivity and reduced to basically an intensively bred farmed animal that is commercially exploited at every stage of their lives.”
“There is now an urgent need for interim regulations to safeguard the welfare of the lions and other big cats in captivity.”
Earlier this year Environment Minister Barbara Creecy announced a government decision to end captive breeding and the commercial use of lions.
She also announced an immediate moratorium on permits to hunt captive-bred lions, a ban on cub petting and a phasing out of tourist interaction with lions, as well as banning lion bone sales.
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