As at the time of this media release, no confirmation and/or undertaking has been received from the V & A Waterfront that it would not be proceeding with its intended fireworks display. This has resulted in the Cape of Good Hope SPCA lodging an urgent High Court application with the Western Cape High Court against the V&A Waterfront Holdings and seven other respondents to obtain an urgent interdict to prevent the planned fireworks display from taking place.
The V&A Waterfront and the Table Bay Harbour are home to various endangered, threatened and protected species that will suffer immense harm and injuries.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has been advised that the City of Cape Town (the City) has retracted the noise pollution exemption permit it granted to the V&A Waterfront, which is required in order for it to proceed with a fireworks display. The V&A Waterfront has lodged an appeal with the City of Cape Town in respect of same; however, no outcome of this appeal has been communicated to the SPCA, even though several attempts have been made through its legal team to obtain the outcome of the appeal or to be involved in the appeal process as an interested and affected party.
There are also several issues in dispute, among other things, the lack of public participation, invalid noise pollution exemption permit, and, of course, the biggest concern being the welfare and wellbeing of both domestic and wild animals that will be adversely affected by the fireworks display.
There has been a large public outcry from animal welfare organisations, animal rights groups, concerned residents and others regarding the planned fireworks display; however, this has fallen on deaf ears.
In the application, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has submitted the necessary opinions, position statements and reports compiled by 29 experts, so as to better advise the Honourable Court of the devastating injuries and harm that both domestic and wild animals shall suffer as a consequence of the intended fireworks display.
In the court papers, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA summarised the concerns, the injuries and other harmful or adverse effects the fireworks display will have on animals and the environment.
The SPCA remains committed to the protection and the welfare of all animals. The SPCA is the custodian of animals in South Africa, and we will do whatever we can within our powers to protect those who cannot speak for themselves.
Special appreciation to our legal team consisting of Advocates Brendon Braun and Kyle Klopper, led by Advocate Shaina Naidoo, who have been instructed by attorney Dawood Jaffer of Jaffer and Associates, who have worked around the clock to prepare the urgent application.
Please direct media enquiries in writing to comms@spca-ct.co.za