Benoni Flying Squad (BFS), in a joint operation with National Crime Intelligence, rescued a pangolin and arrested a suspect for animal cruelty on August 5.
The arrest came after Warrant Officer Elvis Langa, Sergeant Willem du Preez and Constable Tso Mokobane received information at about 6pm that day about a suspect who had a pangolin in a maize bag inside a crate on the back of his vehicle,” said BFS spokesperson Grant Giblin.
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“It is alleged that the suspect was waiting for the buyer of the animal.”
Giblin said according to information, the animal spent two days in the bag without food, water and free movement.
“The suspect was arrested while he was waiting at the Irene Mall and the animal was handed over to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital,” Giblin explained.
“Members of the public should understand that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
“The Animal Protection Act 1962 covers ‘domestic animals and birds, wild animals and reptiles that are in captivity or under the control of humans’.”
Judy Davidson, who is the co-founder of Wildlife in Crisis, said pangolins are a rare and endangered species.
“Their main food is termites so they are often found in the Hoedspruit area,” Davidson explained.
According to Davidson, pangolins are endangered because they are captured and sold on the black market for medicinal reasons.
“It is very bad, they are caught and sold for prices like R25 000,” Davidson explained.
Animal cruelty is a schedule one criminal offence and has set penalties upon conviction.
Such penalties may include imprisonment and or a fine as contemplated by the Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962.
Members of the community are encouraged to report any animal cruelty to the nearest SPCA.
The Benoni SPCA can be contacted on 011 894 2814/5.
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