The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Boksburg, is investigating a case of a tiger being kept as a pet at a home in Impala Park, just behind a nursery school.
According to The Citizen, details are scarce at the moment but reported that the SPCA would comment further once more information was received. The SPCA did comment that they are involved in the welfare of the tiger, but that they required assistance from the city of Ekurheleni in enforcing by-laws.
While the tiger’s welfare is a great concern, the SPCA says this is only part of what they have coined a ‘shocking situation.’ The SPCA explains, ‘just to bring to your attention, this tiger is being kept in a home in Impala Park. There is a nursery school just behind it.’
School staff are reportedly hesitant to let the children outside to play, fearing an incident with the tiger.
The owners of the tiger often upload videos of their ‘pets’ to their personal TikTok account, such as the ones below.
@annelinebritsslab♬ original sound – annelinebritsslab
@annelinebritsslab♬ A powerful support song with a female voice that gives courage!(851510) – Dj Vodka
According to Four Paws, there is an estimated 1 500 tigers in captivity in South Africa, highlighting the need to end captive breeding of big cats for commercial purposes. Four Paws are therefore calling on the government to include all big cat species in the protective legislation, which proposes protection for lions.
Picture: SPCA
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