The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), announced their relief at a High Court decision, to prevent the Bloemfontein Zoo from reopening.

In a statement, the NSPCA said the court was approached after receiving information that the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality planned on reopening the Zoo, without a formal budget and resolution passed by the Municipality.

“We are grateful to the Free State High Court for this decision, marking another crucial step in the prevention of cruelty to animals. Our sincere thanks go to our legal team, including Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys, and Advocates A. Bester SC and R. Bosman, who generously and expertly assisted the NSPCA.”

The High Court granted an interim order on the 15th of August 2024, prohibiting the Bloemfontein Zoo from receiving any animals, as well as from reopening until a final judgment is delivered.

“This will not be the end of the NSPCA’s fight against zoos in South Africa and we will continue to serve the best interests of all animals kept in these synthetic and inadequate environments” said the NSPCA this week.

The NSPCA also said back in August 2024, it can confirm that the Free State Department: Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has issued import permits for small cats and primates, at this stage, despite the glaring animal welfare concerns.

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