The Garden Route SPCA has confirmed that it will be opening a criminal case against the Mossel Bay Municipality. The charges are based on alleged cruelty and neglect of animals at Harry Giddy Park.
According to SPCA Area Manager Cheri Cooke, this decision comes after almost a year of behind-the-scenes efforts. Inspectors first found animals in September 2024 living in poor and stressful conditions. In some cases, humane euthanasia was the only way to end their suffering.
Cooke said the organisation gave the municipality every chance to fix the problem. They provided evidence, attended meetings, and waited for action. But she said nothing changed, and no one was held accountable.
“This is not something we wanted to do,” said Cooke. “But the failure to act left us with no choice.”
Why the SPCA Stayed Silent for So Long
Many residents have questioned why the SPCA stayed quiet. Cooke explained that the silence was meant to give the municipality time to handle things internally.
But after ten months with no formal action, the SPCA could no longer wait. Cooke said their legal duty under Section 6.3 of the Animals Protection Act requires them to act when cruelty is confirmed.
She added that the organisation never abandoned the animals, despite public perception. “We tried every route to avoid legal steps. But justice for these animals must now come through the courts.”
Internal Probe Confirms Mismanagement by the Municipality
The Mossel Bay Municipality had launched its own investigation in November 2024, following a Special Council Resolution. That process has now been completed.
The final report found several serious failures:
- Animals were sold without authorisation
- Euthanisation happened due to neglect and sickness
- There were violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act
- Oversight and paperwork were either missing or poorly handled
The municipality paid R27,227 to the SPCA for euthanasia services. But this payment was later listed as fruitless and wasteful expenditure because of missing documentation and poor management.
Action Plans After the Investigation
The report was shared in June 2025, and the municipality has begun taking action.
The council decided that no animals will be allowed at Harry Giddy Park unless:
- All legal permits are secured
- Qualified staff are employed
- Proper systems and checks are in place
The R27,227 payment was officially accepted as wasteful. The matter has now been handed over to the municipal manager to decide if any staff will face disciplinary action.
A separate report on the future of animal care at the park is still being drafted.
SPCA and Public Officials Call for Accountability
The SPCA said they will act without fear or favour. Cooke reaffirmed their goal: “We will never stand by while animals suffer. We are here to protect those who cannot speak.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) supports the investigation and wants stricter oversight.
Dave Bryant, DA spokesperson for Environmental Affairs in the Western Cape, welcomed the disciplinary steps taken so far.
“Animal welfare is not a side issue. It is key to public trust and government integrity,” he said.
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.
