MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED ON 29 JULY 2010
CONTACT PERSON : BRENDA SANTON 011-9073590/0823759451
CAPTIVE PREDATOR WELFARE CONCERNS
The events of the past few days regarding Panjo, the tiger, which escaped from an inappropriate vehicle whilst being transported from Groblersdal to Springs, have drawn the public’s attention. The NSPCA is relieved that the animal has been recovered and is unharmed.
The News24 poll has revealed that the public supported the opposition of wild animals kept in captivity and treating them as pets, and has called for action to be taken against the owner for negligence and transporting the animal without permits.
The NSPCA reiterates its opposition to the keeping of wild animals as pets and this stance is based on a number of welfare concerns. Wild animals taken into the home usually lose their appeal once they reach maturity or become too strong to handle. In the case of predators they also become aggressive and dangerous. These animals are then no longer considered welcome house guests to be spoiled and pampered, and are condemned to a life behind bars and fences. In most cases these cages are devoid of environmental enrichment, the animals will have little contact with their owners and become breeding machines. Due to the expensive upkeep of these animals, owners are forced to find other means to financially support them – for example breeding programmes and zoo-type exhibits.
Panjo’s escape has raised two very important issues. One message that has gone out to members of the public is that it is ‘cool’ to have a wild animal as pet. It is not. The NSPCA appeals to people out there to embrace the bigger picture. What are the long-term prospects for this wild animal? What sort of life do Panjo and other hand-reared predators face? Panjo has also been instrumental in raising the awareness of the public to the dangers of keeping these animals as pets. Being hand-reared, this animal has lost its fear of humans and is potentially dangerous. Had Panjo been a threat to human life during the two days he was at large, his life would have been abruptly ended by a bullet. The story would have ended in tragedy. Hand-rearing also does not make the animal any less wild and instincts will kick in. This incident could have ended badly.
The NSPCA stresses that no wild animal, whether indigenous or exotic, should be kept as pets. This includes everything from a gecko to a marmoset monkey and a Bengal tiger. It is virtually impossible to provide facilities and social infrastructures for these animals to function normally and exhibit natural behaviour. They face a lifetime of captivity – boredom fills their days and nutritional and physical demands are often not met.
The legal implications of keeping these animals also need to be considered. There is a common misunderstanding that no permits are required in respect of exotic animals. Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to the law.
Wild animals are living creatures. Their welfare should remain paramount and extend beyond the passion to have an unusual pet to bolster one’s ego.
The NSPCA will pursue the investigation of the tiger.
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