Grey High School has sent a follow up letter to parents detailing the progress of its investigation into the shocking incidents on the school grounds earlier this month by a group of matric learners marking their 40-days celebrations.
In the well-documented incident of 9 August, a group of boys from Grey and a group of girls from Collegiate, vandalised both institutions and also let loose livestock including chickens, turkeys and pigeons.
In the letter signed by Grey High Rector Chris Erasmus and School Governing Body Chair Garth Morris, Grey states that the behaviour of the boys in question was unacceptable and led to animals being traumatised - for which they will be punished and will make amends appropriately.
Grey does, however, refute media and social media suggestions of sadism and cruelty towards animals.
The Institution acknowledges, however, that the trauma suffered by the animals in question was avoidable and must never happen again.
According to the school the facts are as follows:
One chicken was released at Collegiate. This chicken was purchased in a neglected condition with its legs already tied, its wings wrapped and with feathers missing, as seen in the pictures circulating on social media. The chicken is safe on a smallholding.
Two Turkeys were released on the Collegiate Astro Turf. They are in the care of Arnold Slabbert (from a wildlife rescue organisation) who fetched them from Collegiate.
In a separate incident, four chickens were released on the Grey campus. Two were placed in classrooms and two in the quad. Overnight, one of the chickens became caught up in the pond and was found the next morning in a very wet and bedraggled state.
A number of pigeons were released in the Hall. The unfortunate consequence of this is that a number of these birds had to be euthanized, as they did not escape through the open windows and doors and injured themselves whilst seeking height.
Grey says that in addition to the punishments already meted out, the school will use other measures, such as workshops and community service, to educate its young men around these matters.
The school says it also worked closely with the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) throughout the investigation and that the League will be involved in the
restorative process going forward, as well as provide assistance in Grey's ongoing disciplinary procedures.
The AACL is also conducting its own criminal investigation in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.
