Mossel Bay Municipality faces SPCA charges over animal cruelty allegations

The Garden Route SPCA has announced it will be laying criminal charges against the Mossel Bay Municipality under the Animals Protection Act, citing what it describes as prolonged cruelty and neglect of animals at Harry Giddey Park.

In a statement, Garden Route SPCA Area Manager Cheri Cooke said the decision follows months of behind-the-scenes efforts to seek accountability and reform.

Cooke confirmed that inspectors found animals in September 2024 living in conditions of extreme distress, and that humane euthanasia had to be carried out in “several heartbreaking cases” to end their suffering.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” said Cooke.

“In the 10 months since, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes providing the municipality with evidence, attending meetings, and giving every possible opportunity for accountability to be taken and corrective action implemented. We did this not out of weakness, but out of the belief that change should begin with responsibility from within.”

She said the organisation remained silent publicly during this time to allow municipal processes to unfold, but the failure to take formal action has now left the SPCA with no alternative.

“The cruelty that occurred has still not been addressed formally, and no action has been taken against those responsible. We can no longer wait,” said Cooke.

“The SPCA is bound by law and by principle to act when cruelty occurs. Section 6.3 of our governing rules requires us to take action against anyone who contravenes the Animals Protection Act. And we will do so.”

Cooke also addressed public concerns, noting that many residents had expressed outrage and asked why the SPCA had not yet taken action.

“Please know that we have never turned our backs on those animals. We have simply done everything we could to seek a just outcome without resorting to legal action.”

The criminal complaint comes shortly after the Mossel Bay Municipality finalised its internal investigation into conditions at the park.

That process was initiated following a Special Council Resolution in November 2024.

The municipality had pledged to uphold the five internationally recognised freedoms of animals and committed to seeking expert input, including from the SPCA and conservation specialists, before making decisions about the continued housing of animals at the park.

According to a statement by the municipality, the investigation uncovered non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act, its own Asset Management Policy, and Supply Chain Management regulations.

Specific issues included unauthorised animal sales, poor asset management, and the euthanisation of animals as a result of neglect and illness.

A payment of R27,227 made to the SPCA for euthanasia services was declared fruitless and wasteful expenditure due to inadequate oversight and missing documentation. The report also highlighted lapses in operational management and a breakdown in internal controls.

Municipal Manager Colin Puren previously said the findings provided an opportunity to correct systemic failures and rebuild community trust.

“This investigation, although a lengthy process, provides us with an opportunity to correct the systemic issues that played a role in the situation unfolding as it did. As a municipality, we are committed to restoring public trust, strengthening internal processes, and ensuring that the humane treatment of animals and sound financial management remain non-negotiable values in everything we do,” he said.

Following the report’s tabling in June, the council resolved that no animals would be kept at Harry Giddy Park unless all required permits and licences are secured, qualified staff are appointed, and compliant systems and procedures are fully implemented.

It also accepted the R27,227 as wasteful expenditure and referred the matter to the municipal manager to determine the necessity for disciplinary action.

A report on the long-term future of animal care at the park is expected to be submitted to the council.

As the matter now moves into the legal arena, the SPCA reaffirmed its commitment to acting without fear or favour. “We will never stand by while an animal suffers,” said Cooke.

“We reaffirm our commitment: to protect those who cannot speak, to uphold the law, and to pursue justice.”

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape welcomed the Mossel Bay Municipality’s internal investigation into the conditions at Harry Giddy Park, calling for continued accountability and stronger oversight to prevent future animal cruelty.

Dave Bryant, DA Western Cape spokesperson on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the party acknowledges the findings of the disciplinary board and supports the decisive steps taken by the mayor and the council to respond to the crisis.

“We welcome the decisive steps taken by the mayor and council to address the findings of the disciplinary board, and to ensure that appropriate action will follow,” Bryant said. “Accountability in matters relating to animal welfare is not optional; it is essential to maintaining public trust and institutional integrity.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za