McLaren Circus asked for a right of reply to an article placed in The Bulletin.
The Bulletin posted an article on the 9th of December 2021 as one of our regular ANIMAL 101 articles.
The article was called: ANIMALS 101 – DON’T BE CAPTURED BY CIRCUS CAPTIVITY! You can read the article HERE
At the time McLaren Circus visited Secunda. Karl Hildebrandt, Public Relations Spokesperson of McLaren Circus felt that the article was one-sided and requested that he be offered a right of reply.
We, at the Bulletin, thought that this was a fair request and offered Mr Hildebrandt the opportunity to reply.
Here is their response:
In reaction to “ANIMALS 101 – DON’T BE CAPTURED BY CIRCUS CAPTIVITY!” published by The Bulletin on the 9th of December 2021, Karl Hildebrandt, Public Relations Spokesperson of Mclarens Circus, comments:
McLaren Circus, who has been operating since 2005 and has upheld an immaculate record of healthy and well cared performing animals, totally disagree and distance ourselves from any publication that accuses us, or any other circus, of any form of cruelty without providing circus specific evidence as such.
McLaren Circus complies with South African laws that oversee performing animals.
This law has been in place, for the protection of animals in entertainment, since 1935 and was amended in 2016.
Inspectors from the SPCA are mandated to ensure all animal welfare is met.
In our close to 17 years of operation, McLaren Circus has never been found guilty of any form of cruelty to our animals.
A permit is issued after an inspection from a state vet.
We pride ourselves on excellent animal care and unconditional love for all our animals.
We remain open to unbiased journalists, should they wish to visit our circus for more information and a “behind the scenes” tour, which includes a training session – something which we always allowed fair media to attend
There are constantly pets in the streets and this holds many dangers in a cruel world. If your pets are out and about, they might get injured, hit by a car, attacked by other animals or hurt other animals, get poisoned, get shot, get stolen to sell, breed, or for dog fights. They may also become a nuisance to others, especially cats.
We understand that accidents happen, and some animals are really escape artists, but one of the few reasons why animals get out is that it is easy! You get climbers, runners, jumpers, diggers, chewers, some learn to open gates or some pets use a combination of the above. We have seen fox terriers climb trees to get out. Sadly, irresponsible owners and the organizations that support those behaviours think it is acceptable to let them roam the streets.
That said, let me be clear on the following: Some people claim that they “have done everything” to keep the animal in…… IF YOUR ANIMAL IS IN THE STREET THEN YOU HAVE NOT DONE ALL YOU CAN TO KEEP THEM INSIDE. If you have, then they will not be in the streets. How do other people do it?
PRECAUTIONS
Secure your yard, but also take these precautions:
Sterilize your pets which helps reduce roaming.
Meet their needs in terms of enrichment (mentally, physically, etc).
Don’t leave them alone for too long or consider daycare.
Make your garden their happy place. (Sandpit, sensory garden, etc.)
Microchip them and register the microchip on more than one database.
Add a collar ID with your number on it.
For cats a break-away collar with ID tag.
Have a recent photo ready.
Get a responsible pet sitter when you are away.
When the garden services come, keep your pets inside.
If possible, keep them in your backyard, away from the street, or only in the front yard with supervision.
If your maid or gardener has a key, have a stern talk about keeping the gate closed.
Always check your yard for foreign objects and poisons that may endanger your pets.
Keep them away from gates & fences and out of sight, to prevent theft.
Image from Petology
Petology provides guidelines to equip you with plausible methods to secure your yard and The Paw Company on how to keep your cats in. This can be possible with little investment and effort.
JUMPERS & CLIMBERS
Have large fences and high walls that can’t be easily climbed (no easy foothold).
Choose solid panel fences without anywhere for your dog to stick his/her paws. This will also keep your dog a lot calmer since they can’t see what’s on the other side.
Metal fence panels or palisades can work but you’ll need to make provisions to prevent them from digging under or slipping through.
Make sure there’s nothing near the wall/ fence that your dog can use to give themselves a boost, like planters, benches, birdbaths, garbage bins, etc.
Alternatively, you can add an extension to make the fence taller or you can install a 45-degree angle lean-in section (overhang) onto the upper part of your fence/wall with brackets. This tilts in to deter pets from getting over it.
Another alternative could be to add a roller bar (a.k.a Coyote rollers) made from PVC or Metal, which dogs’ paws can’t hold onto. Both angled fences and roller bars work well for keeping cats in or out too.
Image from Petology for JUMPERS
DIGGERS, CHEWERS & SLIP THROUGH-ERS
If you have palisades, you can add safe doggie bars that do not have sharp edges. You can also use a durable welded wire mesh overlay and secure it with cable ties. Not the plastic ones!
If they squeeze through or dig underneath you can buy or custom-make metal dig-defence barriers with spikes, which go deep into the ground. If your fence is secure, but not your gate, consider a gate plate.
You can pour a concrete footer along the perimeter of the fence and bury/mount the bottom of the fence into the mixture.
Install an L-Footer/skirt/apron along the bottom of the fence, facing inwards. You can use a wire mesh fence, hardware cloth, or a piece of chain-link fence attached to the base of the fence. Bury it so that it is not visible, or lay it on top of the grass and hold it down with pins/stakes, rocks, gravel, mulch, or even planters.
Some people use “bumper collars” which prevent the pet from slipping through, but we do not support this method.
Image from Petology for DIGGERS, CHEWERS & SLIP THROUGH-ERS
RUNNERS
Runners are those who dash out of the yard as soon as the gate opens. This means you will have to get creative to keep them in and it might require more planning and effort, but the effort can never outweigh the safety of your pet.
In this case, you can consider getting the help of a qualified behaviourist/trainer. Rewarding good behavior is more important instead of punishment or fear-based training. If you call them back and they come, give them a treat or lots of praise (not punishment)! Teach them to sit and wait, when the gate opens.
Try to limit their access to the driveway or main gate. You can install a double gate, which means you create an enclosed area in the yard. If someone wants to come in or out, they have to go through one gate, then the other gate.
You can use a temporary fence, portable playpen, enclosed area outside, or a kennel/run to put them in when you know the main gate will be opened.
If your housing arrangement does not allow the above, then lure your pet into the house when you know the gate will open.
Image from Petology for RUNNERS
KEEPING CATS IN
Higher walls (around 2m).
As mentioned above, roller bars and angled fences work well for cats too.
Use nets
Build a Catio
Plant certain species of plants that cats dislike, but which are not poisonous to cats. Some cats seem to dislike the smell of rue, lavender, pennyroyal, coleus canina, and lemon thyme. Some cats also seem to not like strong citrus cents.
Trim trees regularly and wrap them with plastic or PVC “dividers”, so they cannot climb high enough to get out.
If you really cannot apply any of the above, try creating a routine for your cat, for example, a lick of wet food in the morning to make sure they “check in” and again in the evening. Once they are in for the evening, close the doors/windows until the morning.
Create entertainment for your cats to keep them more indoors.
Invest in a good quality cat harness. Acclimatize your cat to the harness from a young age. With patience and persistence, older cats will also get used to it.
Image from The Paw Company
Remember to never punish your pets when they come back. This will not take away the desire to escape but will make them afraid of returning home. Always find out why your pets try to get out and address the root cause. If it is a behavioural issue, contact a qualified behaviourist. Remember there is a difference between a trainer and a behaviourist.
Where there is a will there is a way! Don’t let your pets outsmart you!
SUSPECT DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR DEALING IN DRUGS AND CORRUPTION – Hawks
MPUMALANGA – Secunda: On Thursday 13 January 2022, the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda received information via a reliable source about a drug dealer who was packaging drugs inside his vehicle (VW Polo silver in colour) at Secunda taxi rank.
The member immediately requested the assistance of Secunda Vispol to urgently attend to the information. On the arrival of Secunda Vispol members, the suspect was found busy packaging the drugs for distribution purposes. The following drugs were found and seized: rock cocaine in clear plastic packets, Nyaope wrapped in brown plastics and crystal meth in clear plastic packets.
The suspect was placed under arrest whereby he then took out R680 from his pocket and tried to bribe the two SAPS members in order to be released but the members refused and added the charge of corruption. The suspect was taken to the police station where the members of Serious Organised Crime proceed and detained him. The exhibits inclusive of the vehicle were booked in Secunda for further investigation.
The suspect will appear before the Secunda Magistrate Court on Monday 17 January 2022. Investigation continues.
The Bulletin learned that the Hawks are now prioritising the drug industry in the area. The Bulletin will publish a number that will be provided by the Hawks in due course that the public can use anonymously to report any drug-related matters.
This video is published by DW News @deutschewellenews. Some viewers may find the images disturbing. Discretion is advised
The following article was published by www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za on their website. Contact them should you need help.
What Does Nyaope Do To The Body?
Nyaope is a street drug that is ravaging informal settlements, poor communities and city centres across South Africa. It is available at a low price and is physically addictive; this results in users quickly becoming addicted and terrorizing communities for that next high. Nyaope is primarily made up of low-grade heroin. It appears as a white or brown powder that is smoked with marijuana or, as the addiction progresses, it is injected intravenously. Because Nyaope is physically addictive, users can experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as:
Nausea
Vomiting
Anxiety
Depression
Excessive yawning or sneezing
Stomach cramps
Muscle and bone cramps
Sweats
Chills
Spasms
Diarrhea
itching The associated pain and fear of withdrawal keep the user in a constant state of use (a cycle). After the initial effects of euphoria and relaxation, a feeling of drowsiness and elation can persist for several hours. Mental function is clouded and heart functions, as well as breathing functions, are slowed. Most users of nyaope start off smoking it, once their tolerance to the substance builds up, the user moves on to injecting themselves in order to achieve a more intense ‘high’. The consequences of long-term use can be grave and long-lasting. Some of the consequences of long term nyaope use are:
Hepatitis
HIV
Abscesses
Scaring from continued injecting
Venous sclerosis
Bacterial/Fungal endocarditis
Overdose and death
The consequences of nyaope addiction are long-lasting and devastating, not only for the addict but their families and their communities. Getting professional help is necessary for anyone coming off nyaope, a medical detox is needed- then the addict needs assistance learning to cope and manage with life without the use of substances.
If you or a loved one need assistance with detoxing from nyaope – know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.
SUSPECT DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR DEALING IN DRUGS
MPUMALANGA – Leandra: The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda together with Crime Intelligence and K9 unit promptly responded to information about a suspect allegedly dealing in drugs around Leandra on Friday, 14 January 2022.
A disruptive search and seizure operation was executed on the premises and drugs ( Nyaupe) were found hidden under the bed of the suspect who was present during the search. A 60 years-old suspect was arrested and detained.
The drugs were confiscated for further investigation. The suspect will appear before the Evander District court on Monday,17 January 2022. Investigation continues.
The Bulletin learned that the Hawks are now prioritising the drug industry in the area. The Bulletin will publish a number that will be provided by the Hawks in due course that the public can use anonymously to report any drug-related matters.
THREE ARMED ROBBERS GUNNED DOWN DURING SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE
Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has applauded members at Tonga for being dedicated to the cause of fighting crime as well as their act of bravery.
This happened after three armed robbers were gunned down last night at Block A in Tonga, during a shootout with police.
According to the information, a group of suspects charged into the local supermarket at Block A, heavily armed and looted items such cigarettes, television sets, airtime as well as an undisclosed amount of cash and fled in a white Ford Bantam thereafter.
The matter was reported to the police, who responded swiftly and immediately searched for the suspects. They (police) spotted the suspects driving in a white Ford Bantam, which matched the description of the vehicle used to flee the scene. Upon noticing the police the suspects fired at them and the police retaliated, fatally wounding three of the suspects, while one managed to escape.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect is urged to immediately contact Colonel Nancy Mnisi on 0726038438 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
FIVE SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN STANDERTON FOR BUSINESS ROBBERY
Nelspruit: 14 January 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the efforts bestowed by the Police and Security industry at Standerton over the immediate arrest of suspects.
Five suspects aged between 24 and 50 were arrested today by police at Standerton for a business robbery.
According to the report, a group of armed suspects stormed into F3 Cash and Carry, pointed the owner and cashier with firearms, demanding cash. They then took an undisclosed amount of money from the till and fled in a white Toyota Etios Sedan.
Police were alerted about the incident and pursued the suspects whom they swiftly cornered and arrested at Van Veen Street in Standerton with the assistance of Kasselman Security. There were about four other suspects who managed to escape. During the arrest, the police also recovered four firearms as well as 38 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspects will appear at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 January 2022.
Police request anyone with information that can lead to the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to immediately contact Sergeant Oupa Hadebe on 0634457885 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
TWO (2) SUSPECTS WERE REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR POSSESSION OF EXPLOSIVES
Nelspruit: 14 January 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has expressed her appreciation for the alertness and focus of the members when conducting their patrols.
This emanates from an incident in which two suspects aged 29 and 43 appeared before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court earlier today on charges of possession of explosives and were remanded in custody. They were arrested on Wednesday, 12 January 2022.
According to the information police in Barberton were tracing a murder suspect when they came across a white Fiat bakkie with occupants, they then saw one of the occupants toss the lunchbox he was holding inside the bakkie, prompting them to stop and investigate.
They (police) then searched the vehicle and found 4 metres of detonating cord and 12 x superpower Zambia blasting cartridges and the suspects were swiftly arrested.
The suspects will appear again on 21 January 2022, for formal bail application.
Members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR BUSINESS ROBBERY SUSPECTS
Nelspruit: Police in Belfast are looking for suspects in connection with a business robbery incident that occurred last night, at the Belfast Traffic Department.
According to the information, four armed men forcefully entered the premises and handcuffed the security guards. They then headed to the safe, cut it open, took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled thereafter.
The matter was reported to the police and a business robbery case was opened.
Police request anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to immediately contact Warrant Officer Shane Coetzee on 0845104761 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Bail was not granted to Belinda Margaret Swart accused of possession of drugs.
Belinda Swart (53) was remanded in custody by the Secunda District Court on Thursday, 13 January 2022 after she was arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit based in Secunda. The Hawks, together with Crime Intelligence and the K9 Unit promptly responded to information about a suspect allegedly dealing in drugs around Secunda on Wednesday, 12 January 2021.
Belinda Margaret Swart as she entered the courtroom today
A disruptive search and seizure operation was executed on the premises and the suspect was found in possession of drugs (Chrystal meth). Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was previously arrested by the Hawks in 2018 for the Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act. The accused was later in August 2018 found guilty and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment of which 1 year 6 months are suspended for 5 years, with the choice of acknowledgement of guilty of R12 000
During the first appearance on Thursday, the defence of the accused insisted to proceed with a formal bail application on the schedule 5 hearing. The accused was denied bail and remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 4 April 2022 for further investigation.
The Bulletin learned that Belinda Swart did duty as a reservist in the SAPS.
Belinda Margaret Swart (52) appeared in the local courts today on charges of possession of drugs. The charges are for the contravention of the Drugs and Drug trafficking act for being in possession of a dependence forming or dangerous drug. The charges are schedule 5 charges. Under the schedule 5 charges, the onus is on the applicant to prove that it is in the interest of justice that she be released.
Belinda was arrested yesterday by the hawks when they raided her residence.
The applicant, Belinda Margaret Swart, stated through an affidavit that was read by her attorney in court, that the state has a weak case. She said that she had been living at the same address for the past 30 years and has a handicapped child to care for.
She informed the court of two previous convictions. In 2018 she was found guilty of contravening the Drugs and Drug trafficking act for being in possession of a dependence forming or dangerous drug. In 2020 she was found guilty of contravening the Drugs and Drug trafficking act for dealing in a dependence forming or dangerous drug. There are no pending cases against her.
She claimed that she had assets exceeding R500000 in value, these included a house, household items and a vehicle.
She also claimed that she does not know the witnesses in the case. She also undertook not to interfere nor communicate with any witnesses should she be released on bail. She also stated that she would not threaten or interfere with witnesses in any way.
Belinda also said in her affidavit that she would plead not guilty. She also claimed that she had never seen the drugs that were found.
Belinda claimed that she is not a flight risk and would not pose a danger to anyone should she be released on bail. She is also not a member of a gang.
The state prosecutor read an affidavit of the investigating officer, Hawks Detective Warrant Officer Ras, as opposition to the bail application.
Ras stated in his affidavit that the applicant stated that the applicant, Belinda Swart, has two previous convictions for contravening the Drugs and Drug trafficking act and was sentenced to imprisonment in 2018 and in 2020 she received a fine.
The value of the drugs found in her possession was valued at R3000.
The state opposed bail on the following factors:
The nature of the crime of which the accused is charged is a schedule 5 offence
The applicant, Belinda Swart, identified the drugs and meth pipes to W/O Ras. She acknowledged that the drugs are Crystal Meths.
Witnesses gave statements to implicate her in the charges. One witness was on the scene when she was arrested and identified the bag of Belinda in which the drugs were found.
This case is likely to be send to the regional court due to her previous convictions.
The accused is familiar with the witnesses who was on the scene and identified the bag that contained the drugs.
Swarts also stated that once she gets out, she will deal with the witness who pointed out the bag, thus threatening the domestic worker.
It will be nearly impossible to keep the accused from contacting the witnesses.
Warrant Officer Ras said in his statement that the public expects the court not to grant bail as she seems to be a repeat offender.
The defence for Belinda Swart then had an opportunity to continue arguments in obtaining a favourable outcome in the Bail application.
Belinda Swart
The defence argued again that Belinda is not a flight risk and have a property to the value of half a million rands and would not flee the country with such assets.
Belinda’s defence also argued that the previous two convictions and these charges are unrelated, and the court should not really take them into consideration.
The defence reiterated that Belinda intends to plead not guilty as she denies ever even seeing the drugs.
It was also argued that if denied bail she would leave her disabled child without care.
The defence also argued that Belinda is not a flight risk and poses no threat to anyone as she is a loving and caring mother for her child.
The state through the state prosecutor pointed to the contradictions in the applicants’ affidavit.
She stated that she did not know any of the witnesses, the state pointed out that one of the witnesses is a domestic worker at the place where she resides. She even threatened the witness stating that she will deal with her when she returns.
This is a clear indication that the applicant will intimidate the witnesses.
The state said that the previous convictions are related to the current charge. She did not take the previous convictions seriously said the state prosecutor.
She pointed out the drugs and pipes to W/O Ras.
It is clear that she will carry on with drug-related offences.
The state said that the drugs were found in the same household that the child resides in. They also argued that the father and the domestic worker is there to take care of the child. The father is also residing at the same household.
The state also argued that the absence of Belinda from the child would not damage the child but rather the presence of Belinda near the child would be detrimental to her wellbeing.
The state also argued that W/O Ras’s investigation revealed that the accused does not have assets to the value of R500000 or anywhere near that.
In her judgement, the presiding officer, Judge Kekana said that from Belinda,s own affidavit she was convicted in 2018 and also in 2020. It is now 2022 and she is back on similar charges.
She said that it is very worrying that there is a handicapped child in the house and the previous convictions and the current charges do not equate to a loving and caring mother of a handicapped child.
She also said that Belinda Swart clearly had no intention or desire to rehabilitate herself. She also said that she would still be here in 2024 as it appears that she is appearing every two years. She also stated that the arrest was not made by ordinary SAP members this time but by the hawks.
She also said that she does not understand how anybody with drugs can take care of a child.
“You have a problem and you did not address it that you could have done a long time ago. The court is not going to be so lenient again,” said Judge Kekana, the presiding officer, “Bail denied.”
The case had been postponed until 4 April 2022
The Bulletin learned that the Hawks are now prioritising the drug industry in the area. The Bulletin will publish a number that will be provided by the hawks in due course that the public can use anonymously to report any drug-related matters.
