Thirty elephants will be removed pending investigation into alleged animal abuse

BRITS, South Africa (CNN) -- A magistrate on Wednesday ordered that 30 elephants be removed from their owner's care, while it was being decided whether a wild-animal exporter would face charges of cruelty to animals.

The magistrate upheld an application from an animal welfare organization to place the pachyderms under its supervision.

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South Africa's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed cruelty charges against wild-animal exporter Riccardo Ghiazza last month and requested temporary custody of the elephants.

The 30 elephants had been captured in Botswana earlier this year, and were then held at the Brits Game Farm, awaiting sale to zoos and circuses abroad.

The allegations against Ghiazza included chaining of elephants, depriving them of food and water and allowing trainers to puncture their hides with sharp hooks.

Ghiazza admitted he made some mistakes in training the animals but said conditions for the animals had been improved.

An independent veterinarian who inspected the elephants last month said Ghiazza had slowed down the training, removed chains and provided straw as bedding.

Johannesburg Bureau Chief Mike Hanna contributed to this report.