Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Mr Mohammed Valli Moosa, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, today condemned the treatment of the Tuli Elephants after last night having had the opportunity to view a video of the SPCA footage screened on television and view days ago. Minister Moosa said:
"I am shocked and outraged at the obvious cruelty inflicted on the juvenile elephants as captured on the video recording. The senseless beating and ill treatment of the elephants must be regarded as a public offence. As a society we should neither condone nor tolerate the type of behaviour as captured on the video footage.
Whilst the needs of communities, particularly poor rural communities, the imperatives of conservation and the sustainable use of our natural resources, as well as the welfare of animals are all important considerations for us, nothing can justify unnecessary cruelty to animals."
Minister Valli Moosa is mindful of the legal action launched by the NSPCA on this matter and awaits the decision of the court.
Issued by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria
Contact person: Francois Rogers (012) 310-3611
8 July 1999