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In a recent operation, Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA discovered “grave animal welfare concerns” at Eagle Encounters at Spier Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch.

The SPCA inspectors confiscated six birds of prey, three snakes, and an Egyptian goose from the facility.

Five birds were hidden and kept in crates that were covered with towels when inspectors found the shed where they were housed. One of the birds, a Booted Eagle, had a terrible maggot-infested wound, and the other bird, a Spotted Eagle Owl, had cracked wings.

Without receiving veterinary care, these birds had been in the facility’s custody for two and three days, respectively. None of these birds apparently received any water to drink.

Three snakes were also discovered in the shed, stashed in plastic canisters behind a washing machine that was likewise devoid of water. The presence of open paint cans and dangerous instruments in the shed indicated a potentially dangerous situation.

SPCA Uncovers Serious Animal Welfare Concerns at Eagle Encounters

In a recent operation, Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA discovered grave animal welfare concerns at Eagle Encounters @ Spier Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch.

Full story:- https://t.co/zbrld2oqyX pic.twitter.com/f8DByXH3MM

— Cape of Good Hope SPCA (@capespca) October 10, 2023

A business famed for its bird exhibits in captivity, Eagle Encounters, also promotes “rehabilitation” services for particular injured or displaced wild birds.

Inspectors filed criminal charges of obstruction against one of the Eagle Encounters proprietors with the Stellenbosch SAPS after initially being denied entry to perform an inspection. A guilty verdict might result in an R20,000 fine or five years in prison.

A police officer who meets the PAPA’s criteria of an authorized SPCA Inspector is given the authority to inspect such facilities, among other things, at any reasonable time, under the terms of this license. It is unlawful to deny such an officer admission.

“Despite Eagle Encounters’ claims on their website that severely injured or poisoned birds are immediately referred to one of our recognised veterinarians, who specialize in treating raptors, evidence suggests that animals have been suffering in their care for days without the promised immediate attention,” said Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.

“Ultimately, rehabilitation centres owe it to both the animals and the public who entrust them with these vulnerable creatures to uphold these standards.”

Eagle Encounters has received past warnings from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for their housing facilities, hygienic practices, and tethering of birds. Further criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act will now be brought against the facility.  Due to possible violations of their permit, a complaint will also be made to CapeNature, the permitting body.

Coincidentally, a CapeNature representative was also refused entry to the site.

[source:spca]