A man has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R6 000 after being found guilty of severe animal cruelty, following an incident in which his dog’s throat was cut open.

Kenneth Motsoane was convicted in the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of neglect, torture, ill-treatment and maiming of an animal, in contravention of the Animal Protection Act. The case relates to a July 2023 incident in which a dog was discovered at 4SAI with a deep, open wound to its throat.

The court heard that the dog was found alive but critically injured. Veterinary testimony revealed that the wound extended from the left angle of the jaw to the right, indicating a deliberate and forceful act. Dr Michelle Venter, a compulsory community service veterinarian, testified that the injury was a clean cut, likely inflicted with a sharp object rather than something jagged, such as a chain.

A sharp knife resembling a panga was reportedly found at the scene where the dog was discovered.

Motsoane admitted ownership of the dog when confronted by SPCA officials and permitted the animal to be humanely euthanised due to the severity of its injuries.

In addition to the custodial sentence or fine, the court declared Motsoane unfit to own a dog.

SPCA Senior Inspector Petro Oberholzer, who led the investigation, welcomed the ruling and thanked all those involved in the case, including witnesses who testified in court.

• Oberholzer opened the case after the SPCA received reports about the dog’s condition.
The case sparked widespread outrage in Middelburg after photographs of the injured dog were published in the Middelburg Observer, reigniting public calls for tougher action against animal cruelty.

• The state was represented by prosecutor Hlawulani Baloyi, while Motsoane was defended by attorney Jaco Kruger.