The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is asking the Plumstead community who may have witnessed guinea fowls being shot in their neighbourhood in the past few weeks to come forward.
After the discovery of at least six dead and two injured birds within the span of two days in the first week of March, local residents raised the alarm.
Asking to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, a resident told People’s Post that dead guinea fowls were found on two open fields, one located on the corner of Dan Pienaar Circle and Dan Pienaar Way and the other in Tobruk Road.
The resident said his fence had been damaged by what appeared to be pellet rounds.
“I found it bizarre and started asking questions among our neighbours. Some neighbours reported that the birds had been shot with a pellet gun and some said they had been poisoned.”
The SPCA was called out to collect one of the injured birds for care. Belinda Abraham, communications manager, Cape of Good Hope SPCA, says the bird had to be humanely euthanised.
“We suspect a pellet gun being the cause of the injury.”
Abraham confirms that a complaint was lodged with the SPCA.
“We have conducted an investigation. The complaint was about a decline in the guinea fowl population in Plumstead and them being shot with a pellet gun and suspected poisoning.”
While it seems that the birds may have been killed for sport, Abraham says there is no evidence to support this claim.
“A written warning has been issued regardless, instructing the accused to refrain from shooting any animal with a pellet gun.
“Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges. We are calling on members of the community to come forward with affidavits and evidence in order for the SPCA to proceed with criminal charges.”
Abraham says guinea fowl are natural seed dispersers.
“They keep insect populations in check. Adults and their chicks and eggs provide a food source for predators on the urban edge such as Caracal cats, birds of prey and snakes. Their droppings could arguably be a form of fertiliser. They provide other species with a warning system whenever danger, for example, domestic dogs and cats, approaches via their alarm calls.”
People’s Post asked CapeNature about the shooting of the birds but had not received a response at the time of going to print.
According to the Animals Protection Act, persons found guilty could face a fine of up to R40 000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months with a criminal record.
- To report any matters of animal cruelty, call the SPCA Inspectorate Control room on 021 700 4158/9.
