Yaeesh Collins|Published
The NSPCA has seized three Bengal tigers, an endangered species native to Asia, and an African serval, a medium-sized wild cat native to the African savannah, from a captive predator breeding facility in North West, citing poor conditions and untreated injuries.
Warrant in hand, NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, accompanied by a wildlife veterinarian and members of the Groot Marico South African Police Service, removed the animals.
Inspectors report welfare concerns
According to the NSPCA, the facility kept two Bengal tigers in an enclosure containing large quantities of fresh and old faeces, alongside decomposing food remains like bones, feathers, and chicken carcasses.
The third Bengal tiger limped severely, and inspectors found no evidence of veterinary treatment. The African serval suffered from a large untreated wound on its right hind leg.
Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter, who manages the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, asserted that “no animal should ever be kept in conditions like these.” Wolhuter said that this case explicitly illustrates why the NSPCA opposes the captive predator industry, which it believes places animal welfare at risk for profit.
Within the facility, lions and tigers in neighbouring enclosures could allegedly fight through the fencing. The organisation stated that the facility housed indigenous and exotic animals in cramped enclosures.
It also noted the property lacked functioning cold storage for meat, and that staff fed the animals the carcasses of cattle and chickens that had already died.
Permit and fencing concerns
In a follow-up inspection in June 2026 conducted with a DEDECT official, the owner of the North West facility reportedly confirmed the electric fencing around the predator enclosures had not worked since 2021.
The organisation submitted its findings to the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), which originally issued the facility’s permit.
Second cruelty docket
A case has been opened by the NSPCA involving the alleged infringements of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, and is actively compiling evidence for the docket.
The organisation noted that this is the second cruelty docket involving the North West facility; the first docket, opened in 2021, remains pending.
The NSPCA has confirmed that the animals have been safely relocated to a secure location for veterinary assessment and further care.
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