By Kaya 959 Reporter
The SPCA has expressed concern after Boksburg residents raised the alarm about tigers being kept near a creche in the area.
The SPCA confirmed that it is investigating further. However, the owners are not breaking any laws.
City of Ekhuruleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said while they condemned the keeping of exotic animals, there is nothing they can do.
Dlamini said the city’s by-laws and policies protect indigenous fauna and flora.
He added that the import, keeping, breeding and trade of exotic animals as pets is regulated by both national and provincial legislation.
Dlamini said the National Council of SPCAs executes the Animals Protection Act and as such can only get involved if animals are abused or face cruelty.
Dlamini said Gauteng provincial legislation does make provision for exotic animals to be kept as pets in built up areas.
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SPCA monitoring the situation
Staff at the creche said they were shocked when they noticed a tiger watching the children on the grounds.
Staff said playtime on the creche grounds have since been stopped. TimesLIVE reported that the owner of a property next to the school has recently acquired two white tigers.
The SPCA said it did not support the keeping of any wild animals in domestic environments.
“Although the public may have concerns about them being kept in suburbs and other non-natural environments, current legislation does not prohibit the keeping of exotic animals in South Africa.
“In other words, wild animals not occurring naturally or native to South Africa only need import permits and transportation permits but there is no law requiring permissions or permits or licences to keep exotic animals,” the SPCA said.
It said while they agreed with the safety concerns of nearby residents, this can only be dealt with by SAPS or Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in terms of any by-laws or personal safety laws that may or may not have been contravened or seen as a possible threat to others.
The SPCA said they will continue to monitor the tigers as closely as possible to ensure no contravention of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and subsequent amendments.
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