Professor sentenced for starving lions

A SHOCKING case of animal cruelty has come to light.

This comes as a professor faces conviction.

Professor Thabo Masihlelo has been convicted of animal cruelty.

The Frankfort Magistrates Court in Free State found him guilty of starving captive lions.

This follows the National Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (NSPCA) and the Wildlife Protection Unit (WPU) examined Masihlelo's property in Tweeling, Free State, on Wednesday, 23 April.

"Lions were found in varying stages of starvation. This highlighted severe neglect they had been subjected to. Although Masihlelo claimed to breed captive lions under the guise of supporting conservation efforts in South Africa, he failed to reach the most basic requirement of feeding the animals.

"The lions, severely emaciated with visible ribs, spines and hipbones, were left to endure prolonged starvation," said NSPCA.

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Masihlelo has been slapped with a R5 000 fine or 10 months' imprisonment, with half of the sentence suspended for five years on the condition that he does not re-offend.

The NSPCA said the malnutrition and mistreatment of the lions under Masihlelo's so-called care highlight disregard for the well-being of caged lions.

It also affirmed its commitment to exposing and challenging the captive lion industry, which is rife with uncontrolled breeding, canned hunting, lion bone trade, and exploitative activities such as cub petting.

Furthermore, the NSPCA said captive lions are often confined in cramped, overcrowded cages with insufficient nutrition and unhygienic conditions.

The society said these animals are deprived of a natural life and subjected to continuous abuse and mistreatment.