SPCA stands its ground in demanding to know tiger’s whereabouts (video)

Edenvale SPCA and Edenvale CPF are standing their ground in demanding evidence of the Edenvale tiger’s whereabouts and well-being.
This came after SOS Security told the public it had assisted in sedating and capturing the tiger after it allegedly escaped onto the streets of Edenvale.
SOS Security did not respond to a request for comment in response to the Edenvale SPCA’s statement issued last night.

Watch: #EdenvaleTiger: SOS Security questioned by SPCA and NEWS’ journalist about tiger’s whereabouts

This video was filmed on January 30 by Bedfordview and Edenvale News journalist Stephan Lehman as he and Edenvale SPCA inspector Hope Mokalapa questioned SOS Security’s Gary Wilson about the whereabouts of the tiger. SOS Security has not provided any confirmation to the NEWS nor SPCA about the animal’s capture, sedation and relocation to date.

On January 30, Edenvale SPCA’s management committee stated that its staff and inspectors had not seen the tiger nor had the society received any confirmation that the tiger was safe or alive.

“We received no confirmation or proof from SOS Security – they have made statements on their social media platforms that the tiger had been captured and relocated.”
The tiger’s alleged escape on Monday resulted in increased speculation throughout the day.

“After reported sightings around the Eastleigh Ridge area, the animal was found but no details were provided on where, under what circumstances, and where the animal was taken,” the SPCA stated.

Edenvale SPCA’s secretary Jade de Bruyn said SOS Security was the only entity to state the tiger had been captured, sedated and relocated.
“SOS Security failed to provide information to the animal welfare organisation in this regard. SOS Security is not permitted, equipped, trained or experienced to handle wildlife, yet they have stated they have assisted in the capture of the tiger and moved it,” said De Bruyn.

During the events of January 30, a property in Eastleigh Ridge on Cabot Avenue was searched by members of the SAPS and Edenvale SPCA.
De Bruyn said SOS refused inspector Hope Mokalapa entry into the property where it was suspected the tiger had been kept.

ALSO READ: Watch: Tiger allegedly spotted in Edenvale

“Multiple animals were seen in the home of the property owner.”
Only inspector Udo Salchow was granted permission onto the property.

He told Bedfordview and Edenvale News on January 30 that no evidence of a tiger was found at the property.
Edenvale CPF’s public relations officer, Fiona Pickett said the forum was also unable to confirm if SOS Security had assisted with the sedation and relocation of the tiger.

Also read: WATCH and LISTEN: Sedation of tiger not confirmed – Edenvale SPCA

“We continue to work with all parties involved in the investigation,” said Pickett.
De Bruyn emphasised that Edenvale SPCA would not confirm that this tiger is safe, alive or at a place of safety until the organisation has all the facts and evidence.

“What legal power do they [SOS Security] have to move a wild endangered species? The SPCA has to obtain permits for the relocation before moving an animal yet, SOS Security moved a tiger with no permits and continues to withhold information,” said de Bruyn.
Manager of Edenvale SPCA Marita Acar said the local branch is working closely with National SPCA during further investigations.

A request for comment was sent to SOS Security at 09:15 on January 31, requesting comment by 11:15.

Numerous emails were sent and phone calls were made.
At the time of publishing, no comment had been received.

Also watch: #Edenvaletiger: Animal’s capture and sedation unconfirmed 

Watch: Tiger allegedly spotted in Edenvale