Johannesburg - The Rynfield Bunny Park in Benoni has once again found itself under the shadow of controversy following further claims of animal abuse.
On Monday volunteers at the embattled Ekurhuleni venue saw workers kick a bunny to death and a chicken dying after it had gritty motor oil poured onto it.
Tania Forrest-Smith of the animal welfare organisation Bunny Park Animals 911 Group, told The Star on Tuesday morning that she was at the premises when both incidents occurred.
Read: Welfare groups slam animal park
“I saw three of the workers running near where the bunnies are kept and then one of them kicked the bunny.”
Forrest-Smith said that when she eventually got hold of the animal there was nothing she could do and it died in her arms.
“The abuse I witnessed yesterday led to the death of two animals. This is apart from the many other animals that died because of being mistreated by the workers at the park,” said Forrest-Smith.
Forrest-Smith and other volunteers have since made written affidavits at the Benoni police station.
“We will meet with our legal team today (Tuesday) to discuss laying charges of animal abuse,” she said.
The Benoni SPCA said on its Facebook page that they were dealing with the matter.
Statements had been taken from witnesses, to be used in legal action taken against perpetrators of cruelty.
Read: Outrage at rabbits euthanasia plan
The bunny park has been in the spotlight for several months following mounting claims of mismanagement and neglect.
In July The Star documented that the heads of many of the rabbits at the park were covered in growths which obstructed their eyes, ears, noses and mouths.
In February the two welfare groups submitted court papers at the high court in Joburg demanding that the metro improve conditions at the park. The case has not yet been heard.
The Star
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