The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recently took legal action to obtain a court order from the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court for the seizure of five seals subjected to abuse and exploitation at the Hout Bay Harbour.
Also read: Cape fur seal pup returns to Kalk Bay waters after a complicated surgery
This comes after the seals endured various illegal activities, including beatings, overfeeding and being forced to engage in various physical interactions with people, all driven by the human need for entertainment and financial gain.
All of these activities are illegal and despite interventions (including the arrest of perpetrators and the issuing of fines) by the authorities, the activities have continued because of the financial reward paid to the seal ‘handlers’ who charge tourists for the opportunity to feed or engage with them and take photographs of their experience.
Looking for a deal on a car, but tight on a budget? Have a look at these offers for under R100 000. View the deals here.
In a statement, the SPCA said that, apart from being illegal, these actions are also morally reprehensible because wild animals ultimately pay the price for human interactions.
‘Aside from the cruel training methods that are being practised, the seals are unable to express their natural behaviours and are being grossly overfed.’
‘Two seals are obese, a condition that has resulted from their training, their inability to express their natural behaviour, including swimming and hunting for their own food, as well as being continuously fed by individuals who wish to pose for selfies or interact with a wild animal,’ read the statement. ‘In addition to this the seals have become unnaturally accustomed to humans.’
‘This poses a danger to both humans and seals alike, with seals becoming reliant on humans for food and humans being placed at risk of injury when the expectation for food is not met.’
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse added that exploiting these wild animals for the sake of getting a good picture for your social media platforms is not only morally and ethically wrong, it also perpetuates a cycle of abuse and cruelty.
‘Please prioritise their welfare over how many likes and shares you can generate online.’
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a nature-filled glamping stay for four in the Overberg for R1 200 (valued at R1 500). Get it here.
Also read:
The CoGH SPCA reiterates its call for volunteers to join the Seal Squad
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA