Tortoise receives a second chance at life
A tortoise sold illegally at a Krugersdorp traffic light was rescued thanks to quick action by the SPCA, police, and a concerned citizen.
The RandWest SPCA rushed to rescue a tortoise that was allegedly being sold at a Krugersdorp traffic light, leading to the arrest of a suspect.
SPCA manager René van Straten said they received the call while attending to several cruelty complaints, but immediately responded as the caller stayed with the animal until help arrived.
When they reached the scene, police and First Help were already in pursuit of the suspect. The tortoise – small, dehydrated and visibly weak – was found hidden in a clothing bag without food or water.
“Thanks to everyone’s swift and co-ordinated action, the suspect was arrested and charged under the Animals Protection Act and Nature Conservation laws,” said Van Straten.
The tortoise was rushed to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for care and rehabilitation.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the police, First Help, Johannesburg Wildlife Vet, and the concerned citizen who refused to look away,” Van Straten added.
“Because of you, this tortoise has a second chance at life. The fight against the illegal sale of wild animals is far from over, but we will never stop. Every wild animal deserves to live free, where it belongs – in the wild.”
