The Wildlife Protection Unit of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said that the Free State’s Nature Conservation Department would investigate the death of two lions at the Lechwe Lodge in Kroonstad. A spokesperson said that this was “another incident when living animals are affected by liquidation processes”‚ and warned that liquidators in charge of seized assets would be liable for prosecution if the assets included live animals that were not cared for adequately.“The case is being thoroughly investigated by their (nature conservation department) officials and us‚ and charges will be laid against the individuals involved‚” the NSPCA said in a statement.“We can confirm that two lions have died but the cause cannot be confirmed at this point.” Seventeen lions remained at the lodge‚ two were “underweight‚ the remaining 15 were in good body condition”.“All of these lions are being monitored by Free State Nature Conservation officials and they were all fed this weekend. There is very little game on the reserve and any animals seen are in acceptable physical condition.“The 17 lions will most likely be confiscated by the Free State Nature Conservation Department and taken into their care at suitable facilities on their reserves.“We are liaising extensively with the officials involved in the case and our involvement will continue until the lions are safely relocated and appropriately cared for‚” the spokesperson said.“This is yet another incident when living animals are affected by liquidation processes and we urge individuals or liquidation companies to contact us in advance when live animals are in jeopardy of being attached during liquidation processes as these are live animals that must be cared for appropriately.“As per the definition of Owner in the Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962 ‘any person having the possession‚ charge‚ custody or control of animals’‚ liquidators that are in charge of seized assets will be liable for prosecution if the assets include live animals that are not cared for adequately”.“We wish to thank the Free State Nature Conservation Department for their efficiency and pro-active stance.“They are one of the only provinces that take active steps to care for the animals they permit individuals to keep in captivity and they do not turn their back on animal welfare. … and (we) sincerely wish that other provinces would follow suit...