Tuli case 'will be reinstated'

Johannesburg - The National Council of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) on Wednesday said it was confident that the case against three men who allegedly abused the juvenile Tuli elephants would be reinstated.

The case reached a climax on Tuesday when African Game Services owner Riccardo Ghiazza, along with Craig Saunders who bought some of the juvenile elephants, and elephant trainer Henry Stockgit were told by the Brits Magistrates' Court that they were free to go.

But NSPCA spokesperson Marcelle French said the magistrate struck the case off the roll because the State was not fully prepared and had asked for a further postponement.

"We are not overly concerned as our main consideration has always been the lives and the welfare of the elephants. They are off the (Brits) property. Their lives and welfare are not at stake."

The young elephants were captured in Botswana's Tuli area. - Sapa