Right on the back of the news that four SANParks employees have been arrested in relation to rhino posting, comes the news that three veterinarians have appeared in court for the wrongful possession of drugs used in rhino poaching. Does this mean that something is finally being done about the poaching crisis in the country?

It’s certainly good news – this shows that at the very least something is being done to address the problem, and that arrests are finally being made. The rhino death toll is sitting at 80 so far for 2012, a staggering number to say the least. What will need to happen, and very soon, is that arrests and prosecution is intensified before we quite simply run out of rhinos.

One of the vets, Douw Grobler, is the former head of the Kruger National Park’s wildlife capture and veterinary services unit. He was fired after a disciplinary hearing 10 years ago in connection with the mismanagement of a buffalo conservation project in Phalaborwa.

Let’s hope that this news signals the beginning of the long road to ending poaching. If I remember correctly, vets are there to help save animals, not drive them to extinction.

[Source: News24]