Media Statement Issued Monday 09 November 1998. (9 November, 1998)

Contact Person: Christine Kuch on 097-3590/1/2 or 3

The ongoing issue of the treatment of 30 young elephants held by Riccardo Ghiazza/African Game Services in Brits has indeed generated a great deal of discussion both in South Africa and around the world. This is by no means surprising as elephants are viewed by the global public as one of the world's most natural treasures; to a great degree, it is ecotourism in South Africa and other parts of the world where elephants are found that has made them the celebrities they are.

International concern however, does not automatically equal animal rights furore. The NSPCA, charged by South African laws with the protection of animals and the assurance of their welfare, has never been an animal rights organisation, nor viewed this case as an animal rights issue. It is plainly and simply a question of the welfare of these elephants and their treatment by Riccardo Ghiazza/ African Game Services.

The support for the NSPCA's action from international organisations and experts in elephant behavior and management comes from a shared concern for the elephants' welfare. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has joined as a partner with the NSPCA due to its interest in animal protection and its current commitment to South Africa for the development of humane solutions to conflicts between elephants and people. Marcelle French, Executive Director of the NSPCA stated: "The National Council of SPCAs works for the welfare of animals through education, regulation and prosecution where necessary. We are concerned with the treatment of these animals and have acted to stop cruelty. To call that an animal rights agenda is ludicrous and misleading."

Richard Farinato, HSUS director of captive Wildlife Protection, commented: "The HSUS cannot condone cruelty in the name of conservation. Conservation and humane treatment of animals are not and should not be mutually exclusive." French added: "The characterisation of our efforts to remove these elephants from African Game Services as an animal rights campaign is an attempt to move focus from cruelty to animals to a divisive philosophical debate. Any organisation opposed to cruelty to animals should join with us to help these elephants."

Patron-in-chief, President Nelson Mandela
Own correspondent.