“Just to bring to your attention, this tiger is being kept in a home in Impala Park. There is a nursery school just behind it,” said the SPCA of the case stirring a range of emotions for South Africans – from disbelief to anger.
In Boksburg, Johannesburg, a tiger has been discovered as a ‘pet’ in a home, which happens to be situated behind a nursery school.
The SPCA is currently investigating the case, which they’ve called a ‘shocking situation.’ According to The Citizen, details are currently scarce, however the SPCA did express that they are focused on the welfare of the tiger, but require assistance from the city of Ekurheleni in enforcing by-laws for the captive animal.
Four Paws express that there are currently 1500 tigers in captivity in South Africa, which highlights the need to end captive breeding of big cats for commercial purposes. Four Paws are therefore calling on the government to include all big cat species in the protective legislation, which proposes protection for lions.
As for the nursery school – staff are reportedly hesitant to let the children outside to play, fearing an incident with the tiger.
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Picture: SPCA