A 38-year-old man was set to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday following his arrest by the Da Gamaskop police on Saturday on allegations of sexual acts involving a dog.

However, according to the Mossel Bay Advertiser, he was released from custody pending further investigation and forensic results.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the Garden Route SPCA’s Mossel Bay branch alerted police to a house in Albert Luthuli Park after receiving a community complaint.

The man was arrested and a case was opened at the Da Gamaskop Police Station. The matter has since been handed over to the Mossel Bay Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

Investigation ongoing

Pojie said once the forensic results have been received, the docket will be resubmitted to the senior public prosecutor for further instructions.

The Garden Route SPCA told Mossel Bay Advertiser the report was received from a concerned member of the public. The SPCA said it immediately contacted police and law enforcement to assist.

“Inspectors attended the property and secured a medium-sized female crossbreed dog, now named Precious. Despite the nature of the case, our team acted swiftly and professionally to remove the animal from harm and ensure that all necessary evidence was properly documented and secured,” said Garden Route SPCA area manager Cheri Cooke.

Dog recovering in SPCA care

Mossel Bay branch inspector Mariaan Wentzel added that cases like this are incredibly difficult, and one never becomes desensitised to them.

“Our priority was to get her out of that situation as quickly as possible and ensure she was safe. She is now in our care and receiving veterinary treatment. While she is stable, her recovery will take time, and we will be there to support her every step of the way,” said Wentzel.

She added that they are working closely with the police to compile the docket, ensuring that all evidence is properly prepared and submitted to support the ongoing investigation and prosecution process.

Cooke said the SPCA would like to thank the person who reported the incident, as well as its inspectors, for their dedication in extremely difficult circumstances.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the cruelty animals can face, and the critical role the SPCA plays in protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” she said.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.