Watch: Local vet removes leopard from home in Benoni
Laws pertaining to keeping this type of animal require specific permits related to threatened or protected species.
Dr Clifford Bull from the Craig View Veterinary Clinic in Atlasville responded to an unusual call on Monday morning – to remove a leopard from a Benoni home in Marister.
The Benoni SPCA contacted Bull, who is a wildlife specialist, to dart the leopard, which he did successfully.
Bull said he was busy darting a nyala when he was informed about a stray leopard in somebody’s garden. Initially, he thought the animal had been misidentified as it was described as a mix between a Labrador and pit bull.
The cat was then cornered in an outside laundry room at a private home in Hazel Road, Benoni North.
“It was challenging as there was limited space in the enclosed area where the animal was cornered. What most people don’t realise is that a leopard is very reactive and explosive. The minute you hit a cat with a dart, it will come after you.”
He said a plan had to be made.
“I saw the cat got distracted when somebody appeared at the window, so I asked a bystander to provoke the animal while at another window I would be able to dart the animal.
“As he jumped, I managed to get a clear shot at his shoulder blade.”
The daunting event was far from over as they now had to wait for the medicine to kick in.
“The scary part is to approach the animal to see if the medicine has kicked in. Even a half-sedated leopard could cause lots of destruction.”
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Bull said the animal was moved to a large, safe enclosure where it will be monitored for a month or two to ensure the leopard can successfully hunt and survive.
The Benoni SPCA is investigating whether the male leopard cub may have escaped from a breeder.
Staff from the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre were also on scene. Vanessa Davis, of the centre, said the leopard is really young.
“Laws pertaining to keeping this type of animal require specific permits related to threatened or protected species. Leopards are on the CITES 1 agenda, which means it is one of the more guarded animals and whoever is found without the correct permits is in for a hefty fine or jail time.
“If the public has information about other wild animals – leopards or lions – which are being kept illegally they should contact me so that we can follow up. Tigers do not require permits, however, as they are deemed as exotics so no permits are required, believe it or not,” said Davis.
Davis may be contacted on 082 708 1228.
Anyone with information about where the leopard may have come from should contact the Benoni SPCA on 011 894 2814 as their team is heading up an investigation.
