Two men have been convicted and sentenced for the unlawful feeding and exploitation of Cape fur seals in Hout Bay, Cape Town.
The sentencing was carried out on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court.
SEAL EXPLOITATION
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the men – identified as Bruce Tillings, 40, and Tristan Johnson, 22 – were caught unlawfully feeding seals at Hout Bay Harbour.
Tillings and Johnson profited from the practice by encouraging tourists to take photographs, and physically interact, with the seals for a fee.
They were arrested on 31 October 2025 following a series of co-ordinated operations conducted by the SPCA, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
They soon entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
PERPETRATORS’ FATES SEALED
At the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, Tillings and Johnson were sentenced to a fine of R80 000 or 24 months’ imprisonment.
The sentence is suspended for five years. This means it won’t be enforced unless the duo commits a similar offence during this suspended timeframe.
“This conviction sends a clear message that the exploitation of wildlife for entertainment and profit will not be tolerated,” said Jaco Pieterse, the former chief inspector of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, now a candidate attorney at Gishen McLeod Attorneys.
Pieterse, who assisted the State and acted as a watching brief in this matter, reiterated the consequences that unlawfully feeding Cape fur seals seals brings.
“[Feeding seals] creates dangerous, aggressive animals, places the public at risk and undermines conservation efforts,” he explained. “Those who continue to break the law can expect to face arrest, prosecution and criminal consequences.”
If you witness any feedings of seals, you are highly encouraged to report these incidents to the SPCA.
BEWARE OF SEALS
Cape fur seals are lifelong residents of South Africa’s western coastline. Living in tight-knit colonies in the hundreds, these creatures tend to be calm and non-aggressive when encountering humans.
Nevertheless, the public are strongly discouraged from feeding or interacting with seals. This is especially if the seals feel threatened or are injured or infected by rabies.
Most recently, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) issued a safety warning amid potential rabies infections among Cape fur seals. Infections can result in aggressive behaviour, including attacking or biting objects, charging at people or dogs or climbing aboard watercraft.
In case of a rabid seal sighting, you are advised to contact the NSRI’s emergency number on 087 094 9774. Alternatively, call the City of Cape Town’s emergency call centre on 021 480 7700, who will notify Coastal Management and the marine response teams.
