WATCH: NSPCA verifying authenticity of videos showing man raising a leopard cub
The NSPCA stated it was not illegal to raise a wild animal, but that special permits were needed.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is investigating the authenticity of videos showing a man raising a leopard cub in a suburban area. The man has posted multiple videos on social media platform X, claiming to take care of the cub by feeding it raw meat and even taking it for walks.
However, the NSPCA cautions against keeping wild animals as pets, as they require special care and cannot thrive in a domestic environment. The NSPCA's Wildlife Protection Unit is analyzing the videos to verify their authenticity, and the results are pending feedback from nature conservation authorities. While South African law permits living with a leopard in a residential area, individuals must obtain permission from the provincial conservation authority.
The NSPCA strongly advises against keeping wild animals, stating that they have complex physical, behavioral, and environmental needs that cannot be met in a home setting, leading to negative welfare implications.
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