Fifteen learners from Grey High School in Gqeberha have undergone community service and a mediation program following allegations of animal cruelty earlier this year.
Both Grey and Collegiate High School shocked residents of Nelson Mandela Bay when word got out of a group's 40 days celebrations where school property was damaged and livestock ill-treated.
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) says during their investigation into the matter they could not substantiate any rumours of animals being kicked, plucked or drowned, however, this does not mean that no animal cruelty took place.
Their report found the following:
The chickens, turkeys and pigeons were acquired or purchased (some in poor conditions with their feet tied), transported, carried around and left in strange environments, such as an AstroTurf, in classrooms and in a quad area causing stress and no provision was made for drinking water.
Crackers were also set off and a fire extinguisher was used in close proximity of the chickens.
Pigeons were released in the Grey hall where they were frantically circling in an attempt to get out. No water was provided for these birds, who suffered severe stress- as a result, they all had to be culled.
The AACL says in September they approached Collegiate's management advising them that the girls seen in the Grey CCTV footage should join in on the programme with the National Prosecuting Authority, which the boys completed during the September holidays.
However, the school said they had not viewed the footage from Grey, which was then supplied to them.
The Anti-Cruelty League says they trust the school will cooperate with them in due course as these delays could result in matric girls being faced with a criminal matter during their final exams.
According to a statement issued by the AACL there are more boys who did not come forward, and steps may be taken against them.
