Owl post-mortem finds no foul play by Coca-Cola in NSPCA case
Based on a review of all evidence, including NSPCA-examined CCTV footage, there is no indication of a contravention of the Animals Protection Act or biodiversity laws.
The Owl Rescue Centre (ORC) was awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) following the death of an owl at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA) Midrand bottling plant on October 7 in Clayville.
Update: Outcome of NSPCA investigation
The NSPCA initiated an investigation, given the potential implications under both the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and applicable biodiversity legislation.
The post-mortem on October 9 determined the cause of death was fatal brain injury resulting from internal bleeding within the skull, consistent with an accidental impact.
After reviewing all evidence, the NSPCA statement released on October 30, read, “including CCTV footage examined, there is no indication of an intentional contravention of the Animals Protection Act or biodiversity laws. The evidence conclusively confirms that the owl’s death was due to an accidental collision with no human involvement or intent.”
They added that throughout the investigation, CCBSA and The Coca-Cola Company demonstrated a willingness to engage, extending full cooperation to the NSPCA and granting “unrestricted access” to all relevant documentation, footage, and premises. This transparent approach helped ensure a thorough and conclusive outcome to the inquiry.
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Back story:
ORC director and co-founder Danelle Murray said, “The case is still under investigation and often requires court orders, which take some time. It is illegal to kill or harm indigenous wildlife in South Africa. Killing an indigenous bird, particularly a raptor like an owl, in South Africa can lead to criminal prosecution under various pieces of legislation,” said Murray.
She noted that while companies enforced strict site regulations such as security protocols and mandatory inductions for staff and visitors, these measures rarely extend to wildlife protection.
“This, however, does not extend to the protection of wildlife. We feel that management is responsible for what happens on their sites. If they can enforce other rules, why can’t they enforce wildlife laws? It’s their disinterest in wildlife conservation and protection that is infuriating. We need to change the sentiment towards wildlife in South Africa. Therefore, mandatory wildlife education must be implemented.”
Responding to the incident, Motshidisi Mokwena, head of communication and reputation at CCBSA, said an internal investigation revealed that the owl had collided with a glass window and door while trying to escape.
“Sadly, the owl succumbed to its injuries in the early hours of the morning. In line with the company’s established procedures, the team contacted the authorised bird control service provider, Paramount Bird Control Service.
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The service provider initially contacted the Owl Rescue Centre for assistance in collecting the owl from the premises, but later advised them not to deploy a team and liaised directly with the Gauteng Department of Environmental Affairs [GDEA],” said Mokwena.
She added that, following guidance from the GDEA, the owl was taken to the Johannesburg Zoo, where an autopsy confirmed the injuries were consistent with blunt-force trauma from the collision.
“We are committed to the humane treatment of animals. We follow applicable local, regional, and international legislation and regulations for animal health and welfare,” Mokwena concluded.
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