For just about all my life I have been saving animals in need, from small little spiders to caracals. I used to live in Gauteng, where there were no government organization requirements of having a piece of paper that decides whether or not you may save an animal. After moving down to the Western Cape, I found that the wildlife in this province needed help from someone that is able, has the knowledge and experience, and no matter the danger or difficulties, the person needed to be able to put that all aside. 

I decided to become that person. I made myself available to the entire Helderberg community, and have been saving all sorts of animals since 2016 in the Helderberg area. Most of the injured wildlife I rescue and take to receive medical attention, was done so out of my own pocket. After many members of the community insisted that I start asking a fee for rescue calls, I decided to rather give the community the option of paying a fee to help with transport and medical costs, or not. Either way, I never turn down a call for help or an animal in need.

I also took in unwanted exotic snakes and spiders that people had as pets, and found out that I needed to have permits for the animals in my care. After speaking to an employee of Cape Nature, asking for permits for the snakes in my care, I was then 2 weeks later opening my door to Cape Nature, SAPS Stock Theft Unit and a search warrant. I was then charged for having wildlife without permits. 

3 years later, and after many postponements for unknown reasons, I face myself with another criminal charge for transportation of wildlife without permits. I had an emergency on hand, loaded a seal pup that was in need of immediate medical attention into my vehicle on instruction from Houtbay Seal Rescue, with 5 Puffadders in a tub due for release, and 1 Cape Cobra, also due for release. All 6 snakes were caught over a period of 2 days. I was arrested, and kept in jail for 30 hours.

Cape Nature is trying to stop me from saving animals and ensuring the conservation of our wildlife, and is pushing the court to punish me to the fullest extent. Please sign this petition if you are opposed to Cape Nature continuing the attempt of shutting down Helderberg Wildlife Rescue, and in favor of all charges withdrawn.

Animals do not have a voice, and can not help themselves when it comes to medical care, getting themselves in tricky or dangerous situations. I will continue being their voice, I will continue ensuring the safety and conservation of our wildlife. Please support my cause and stand with me and my organization, Helderberg Wildlife Rescue.