Animal welfare groups sue municipality
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is being sued for ill-treatment of animals at the Bunny Park.
Ban Animal Trading South Africa (Bat) and the Bunny Park Animals 911 Group, the two main animal welfare groups involved in cleaning and feeding at the facility since July, last year, decided to take action as, they claimed, their demands for the park were never met.
The groups released a statement on February 18.
“Bat and the Bunny Park Animals 911 Group have instituted legal proceedings against EMM as a result of their failure to engage meaningfully with us as to the feeding and veterinary care of the bunnies and animals at the Bunny Park,” the statement read.
“The animals at the Bunny Park are subjected to poor living conditions, specifically inadequate infrastructure and a deficiency of nutrients due to the lack of food.
“Accordingly, the legal proceedings that we have launched aim to interdict the Bunny Park from operating for a period of three months.
“During this period all the animals will receive the necessary veterinary care and suitable alternative homes will be pursued for all the animals.”
EMM stated on February 22 they had been served with the legal papers.
“We do confirm receipt of summons and our legal team is studying the documents,” said EMM spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
No updates were available by Tuesday, February 23.
