WALKERVILLE. – The mass ride comes after the tragic death of Sheba, a tigress that was shot after escaping from an enclosure on her owner’s property and killing several animals, as well as attacking a human while roaming free in the populated area south of Johannesburg.

According to Guy Mylchreest, event organiser, president and founder of the 45’s Motorcycle Club of South Africa, the purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the plight of wild animals in captivity, as well as raising funds for Four Paws, an animal welfare organisation.

“Please understand that under no circumstances is this an attack on Sheba’s owner or the owner of any other big cat in captivity. I just feel – and I have spoken to a lot of professional people who have dedicated their lives to large cats at sanctuaries – that these cats should not be kept in captivity. They are not pets,“ Mylchreest explained in a short video posted on social media ahead of the event.

According to Mylchreest animal welfare organisations have been trying to get legislation passed to prohibit the keeping of big cats as pets. One of the main objectives was to raise awareness about the lack of legislation which makes it easy for people to keep wild animals as pets.

The event was well-attended, with bikers from all over Gauteng and the Free State who joined in.

Afterwards, participants had a relaxing social morning at the Walkerville Agricultural Showground where there were stalls, drinks and food, as well as live entertainment.

Speaking to Vaalweekblad after the mass ride, Mylchreest said: “There was a huge turn-out. The event was very well supported. We definitely made a huge noise and made our presence felt.

“We raised funds, but I was hoping for a bit more. The economy isn’t great, so people gave what they could, from their hearts.

“We also collected some animal food that was donated to Ball and All Animal Shelter,” Mylchreest concluded.