Security and an animal protection organisation were alerted to the presence of two cubs in the yard of a Westville home in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
A security guard in the area confirmed they responded to a call from a panicked resident about the presence of the cubs in the upmarket suburb.
He said a number of security personnel responded as well as the SPCA, which it is understood took custody of the cubs.
A well-placed source confirmed the cubs were in the possession of a homeowner in the area.
The cubs were sourced from a legitimate breeder in the Midlands who has a game farm with a number of animals including lions.
“The cubs were from there, and I am not sure about the nature of the transaction, whether they were loaned or purchased, but I am sure an investigation will get to the bottom of this.
“Well done to the person who alerted authorities because this is clearly a situation which could have turned ugly.”
In October 2021, the owner of a Boksburg day care centre on Johannesburg’s East Rand raised the alarm after spotting two tigers peering over the fence from a neighbouring garden. The tigers often play on a jungle gym overlooking the crèche.
The presence of the tigers highlighted the growing prevalence of people wanting to keep exotic animals as pets.
In August 2020, two white tiger cubs were almost taken from a Houghton, Johannesburg, home by the NSPCA, whose inspectors relied on the Animal Protection Act, arguing the cubs’ water bowls were empty and the environment they lived in lacked enrichment.
The handing out of permits to keep and own exotic wildlife is the responsibility of nature conservation authorities.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is the authority in KZN responsible for this, and mammal specialist Brent Coverdale said they wouldn't issue a permit for pets, particularly in a residential area.
“We wouldn't issue a permit for people to keep them in their own facility. There is huge controversy around the issue of lions in captivity, you would have to motivate really hard to keep them there, so at this stage it seems the person is breaking the law.”
The SPCA didn't immediately respond to queries.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.