Animal cruelty may lead to criminal prosecution – Germiston SPCA
“Penalties under the Animals Protection Act include a jail sentence,” said Christine Kuch, chairperson of the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA.
Pet owners are urged by the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA to take good care of their cherished animals or risk criminal prosecution.
This warning is in response to a recent occurrence in which two dogs were discovered in poor condition and mistreated on a property.
Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, the SPCA had the video taken down from its social media accounts.
On March 8, councillor Kade Guerreiro of Ward 92 organised a fundraising event alongside other DA leaders, generating R31 340 for the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA.
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According to Christine Kuch, chairperson of the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA, the organisation affirms that, as stated in a recent Facebook post, criminal proceedings under the Animals Protection Act will be brought against those accountable for the abandoned dogs.
“Further particulars will be made known as and when this becomes possible.
“Our priority is to ensure a meticulously prepared docket is submitted with all supporting evidence for the criminal case to proceed without hindrance,” said Kuch.
“We say “without hindrance” as individuals or it may be third parties are pressing for detailed information which – if given – could adversely affect if not sabotage the criminal charges and case.
“Our legal system prohibits the name of anyone charged with an offence being made public prior to a court appearance. Details including what exactly happened, over what period, actions taken and more, will form part of the evidence,” said Kuch.
“Revealing such facts and discussing them in a public forum or in the media prior to the case being heard will compromise the entire matter.
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“This is the last thing that any caring person would want.
“The Germiston Bedfordview SPCA believes that all compassionate people will support us in pursuing this matter. Penalties under the Animals Protection Act include a jail sentence,” said Kuch.
“A polite reminder that this will be a State prosecution. That is, the verdict and sentencing are in the hands of the court, not the SPCA,” said Kuch.
