‘Grave issues’ found in SPCA raid of Eagle Encounters at Spier
A recent operation saw SPCA conduct a raid of Eagle Encounters at the popular Spier Wine Farm. What they found was shocking …
The animal welfare organisation is reporting grave issues after an SPCA raid of Eagle Encounters at the popular Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch.
TRENDING: Can you apply ONLINE for a South African Smart ID?
According to the SPCA release this week, “Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA discovered grave animal welfare concerns at Eagle Encounters at Spier Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch. The Inspectors confiscated six birds of prey, three snakes, and an Egyptian goose from the facility.”
SPCA RAID OF EAGLE ENCOUNTERS
On the Eagle Encounters at Spier website, it says they offer wildlife rehabilitation, conservation and education for the whole family. The venue also offers personal encounters with various bird, as well as interactive flying shows. The business also supplies birds for film shoots, and appears to be endorsed by Cape Nature on its website.
ALSO READ: What’s the CHEAPEST online license disc renewal service?
However, during the recent SPCA raid of Eagle Encounters, the animal welfare organisation found something very different than advertised. Firstly, they were denied access to the property. Inspectors then laid criminal charges of obstruction against the owners at the Stellenbosch SAPS.
5 BIRDS IN CRATES
A court order in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 was obtained granting inspectors access to the property for a thorough inspection. Upon arrival, “inspectors discovered a shed where five birds were being concealed and kept inside crates, covered with towels,” said the SPCA.
“Two birds, including a Booted Eagle and a Spotted Eagle Owl, had fractured wings, with one showing a severe maggot-infested wound. These birds had been under the facility’s care for two and three days, respectively, without veterinary care. No drinking water was provided to any of these birds. Additionally, three snakes were also found concealed in plastic containers behind a washing machine inside the shed, also without water. The shed was filled with hazardous tools and open paint containers, indicating a hazardous environment,” the SPCA said.
FACILITY WILL FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES
Cape of Good Hope SPCA had warned Eagle Encounters about their hygiene standards, housing conditions, and tethering of birds. The facility will now face further criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Additionally, a complaint will also be lodged with CapeNature, the permitting authority.
ALSO READ: Increase for SASSA grants come into effect 1 October 2023
The SPCA concluded its release by saying it would not tolerate the obstruction of its inspectors in the execution of their statutory duties and is committed to ensuring that no animal endures harm from those entrusted with their protection.
What do you think of the SPCA raid of Eagle Encounters at Spier? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.