The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has stated that the tigress that escaped its enclosure on Monday may not have been trapped, adding that an inquiry is ongoing.
The Edenvale SPCA stated in a statement released on Monday that its employees have not seen the tigress and that there is no assurance that the wild animal is safe or alive.
“No confirmation or proof has yet been provided by SOS Security to the Edenvale SPCA; however, they have stated on their social media platforms that she [the tigress] has been captured and relocated,” the SPCA stated.
According to the SPCA, SOS Security does not have the necessary permits, equipment, training, or experience to handle wildlife.
The SPCA stated, “The SOS Security refused SPCA inspector Mokalapa admission into a residence where we believed the tigress was being held. Multiple animals were observed in the residence of the purported “owner,” but it cannot be confirmed that he or she is the tigress’s owner.”
The SPCA stated that it is required to get relocation permits before relocating an animal, and if SOS Security relocated the animal, it did so without a permit.
“Why are we, as the Edenvale SPCA, not permitted to know [about the animal’s whereabouts] for the animal’s well-being and the safety of the public we serve? The same SOS Security asserts that it serves and protects.”
“Until we know the facts, we will not affirm that this tigress is safe, alive, or in a secure location. We will not issue another press release until we have all the facts. This situation will be investigated, and the community will be updated accordingly.”
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