Buccleuch dog owner guilty of animal cruelty because of matted Maltese
All three dogs were rehomed by Sandton SPCA at the time and they are doing well and are settled into their new homes
The Buccleuch owner of three badly matted Maltese dogs was found guilty of animal cruelty in Randburg Magistrate’s Court last week.
Buzwe Yafele (51) was sentenced to R10 000 or five months imprisonment, of which R8 000 was suspended for five years.
The case was pursued by Sandton SPCA, which confiscated the three animals late last year.
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The dogs were severely neglected and suffered from untreated skin conditions.
Inspector Obed Mohlala investigated the complaint at the time and issued the owner with several warnings to seek veterinary treatment for the dogs and have them groomed. A warrant had to be obtained from Randburg Magistrate’s Court to remove the dogs after the owner failed to comply with the warnings.
Yafele was found guilty on charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. An SPCA inspector and veterinarian testified in the case and overwhelming evidence of animal cruelty was presented to the court.
“We believe this case will be sending a strong message to the general public that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and that Sandton SPCA will do anything in its power to protect abused animals,” said Jaco Pieterse, general manager of Sandton SPCA
All three dogs were rehomed by Sandton SPCA at the time and they are doing well and are settled into their new homes.
