\r\n \r\n \u00a9 2026 The Courier Guy. Automated system message.\r\n <\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody><\/table>\r\n\r\n\r\n","saboun":"The Wynberg Magistrates\u2019 Court has handed down sentences to two men for their involvement in the illegal feeding and exploitation of Cape fur seals at Hout Bay Harbour, Cape {town} Etc reports.\r\n\r\nOn Wednesday, Bruce Tillings (40) and Tristan Johnson (22) received fines totalling R80,000, or alternatively, 24 months\u2019 imprisonment suspended for five years, conditional on not committing a similar offence during that period.\r\n\r\nThe convictions are the result of coordinated operations carried out by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) that began in October 2025.\r\n\r\nInvestigators found Tillings and Johnson unlawfully attracting Cape fur seals closer to tourists by feeding them, thereby enticing visitors to interact and take photographs with these protected wildlife much too closely. Disturbingly, some children were even allowed to sit on the seals.\r\n\r\nCape fur seals are afforded protection under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), which strictly penalises acts of harassment or feeding of protected wildlife.\r\n\r\nOffenders can face severe repercussions, including fines reaching up to R10 million, or imprisonment for up to 10 years, alongside a criminal record that can impact future employment and life opportunities.\r\n\r\nWildlife experts and welfare organizations have continuously issued warnings regarding the detrimental effects of feeding seals.\r\n\r\nThis behaviour can lead to seals losing their natural fear of humans, resulting in aggressive behaviour when food is not provided. The court\u2019s decision carries weight not only for conservation efforts but also addresses immediate public safety concerns amidst a rabies outbreak affecting Cape fur seals in the Western Cape.\r\n\r\nRabies, a deadly viral disease, poses significant risks when connected to close human-seal interactions, significantly endangering tourists, especially children.\r\n\r\nThe public is therefore reminded that engaging in any form of harassment or feeding of seals can also lead to prosecution. Actions classified as harassment include taking photographs too close for comfort, encouraging direct animal interaction, or even throwing food to the seals.\r\n\r\nTillings and Johnson were apprehended during a sting operation conducted on 31 October 2025 as they attempted to exploit the seals and entice tourists for financial gain. Both men entered a plea and sentence agreement with the State prior to their court appearance.\r\n\r\nFormer Chief Inspector of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and current Candidate Attorney, Jaco Pieterse expressed optimism with the court\u2019s ruling, stating, \u2018This conviction sends a clear message that the exploitation of wildlife for entertainment and profit will not be tolerated,\u2019\r\n\r\nSpokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Belinda Abrahamechoed this sentiment, affirming, \u2018These seals are wild, protected animals and deserve to be treated with respect, not exploited for monetary gain or social media attention,\u2019\r\n\r\nShe highlighted concerns particularly focused on children\u2019s safety during these interactions and affirmed the SPCA\u2019s commitment to hold offenders accountable.\r\n\r\nSince October 2025, multiple arrests have occurred as law enforcement takes a firm stand against wildlife exploitation at Hout Bay Harbour.\r\n\r\nThe SPCA urges the public to report such incidents and reinforces the importance of respecting wildlife from a safe distance."},"stats":{"total":0,"sent":2,"fail":0,"status":"FINISHED","logs":["[05:42:06]<\/span> [od366.laundryandtextiles.com]<\/span> ssayfprof@aol.com -> OK<\/b><\/div>","[05:42:09]<\/span> [bs162.laundryandtextiles.com]<\/span> rss@mweb.co.za -> OK<\/b><\/div>"]}} |
![\"TCG\"](\"https:\/\/ajpg.net\/tenants\/logo\/388-Thecourierguy.png\")
\r\n <\/td>\r\n