NSPCA seizes tigers and serval after alleged neglect at North West facility

The NSPCA has seized three Bengal tigers and an African serval from a captive predator breeding facility in North West, South Africa, citing poor conditions and untreated injuries. The Wildlife Protection Unit, along with a wildlife veterinarian and police officers, removed the animals from the facility. The tigers were found in an enclosure filled with old and fresh faeces, decomposing food remains, and a severely limping Bengal tiger with no signs of veterinary care.

The African serval had a large untreated wound on its right hind leg. NSPCA Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter stated that the conditions were unacceptable, emphasizing that no animal should be kept under such circumstances. He further highlighted that the NSPCA opposes the captive predator industry as it endangers animal welfare for profit.

Neighboring enclosures housed lions and tigers, which could have fought through the fencing. The facility housed both indigenous and exotic animals in cramped spaces and lacked a functioning cold storage for meat. The property also fed the animals dead cattle and chicken carcasses. A follow-up inspection in June 2026 by DEDECT confirmed that the electric fencing had not worked since 2021.

The NSPCA filed a case alleging infringements of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and is gathering evidence for the case. This is the second cruelty docket involving the North West facility, with the first case from 2021 still pending. The animals have been safely relocated to a secure location for further veterinary care and assessment.