Dr Alberts appeared in Nigel Magistrate’s Court on March 4 and was found guilty on counts of animal cruelty, obstruction, and illegal possession of an indigenous wild animal.

HERAUT first reported on the matter in 2012 after the NSPCA was made aware that Dr Alberts was in possession of a vervet monkey that had had three of its limbs amputated. According to reports at the time, the animal was in severe pain and distress and a warrant was subsequently obtained.

On arrival, NSPCA Inspectors were refused entry onto the property by Dr Alberts and required police intervention to gain access. The Inspectors were further obstructed after gaining access, and only after threats of arrest, Dr Alberts begrudgingly complied.

“A female vervet monkey was found in a cage in the bedroom of Dr Alberts. The monkey’s two hind legs and one forearm had been amputated and she was dragging herself around with her remaining forearm. She also had a deep incision to her abdomen,” Meg Wilson of the National Council of SPCAs said.

The monkey was removed and taken to Dr Katja Koeppel who is an experienced veterinarian, for examination and it was decided that euthanasia was necessary to end the monkey’s suffering. Her body was later sent for a post mortem. Dr Koeppel also testified in the case against Dr Alberts.

Charges were laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 for maiming, neglect, failure to administer pain medication, as well as obstruction and illegal possession of an indigenous wild animal.

In a statement issued by the NSPCA after the court proceedings, Wilson said the case was reported to the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and that they were advised that further action will be taken against Dr Alberts after the outcome of the case.

“The NSPCA expects the SAVC to now take action against Dr Alberts in light of this judgment,” Wilson said.

“It has taken nearly eight years for justice to be served for the monkey that was so terribly abused at the hands of a veterinarian who, by their chosen profession, should have had the animal’s best interests at heart. The NSPCA will never give up on seeking justice, no matter how long the justice system takes – every animal, and each case, matters to us,” Wilson concluded.

Sentencing is set for March 18.