Investigation follows pig’s brutal death in Vereeniging

The Vereeniging SPCA is investigating an incident where an SPCA inspector cruelly slit a pig’s throat in front of the public at an auction in De Deur on November 16.

Sedibeng Ster reports the shocking event, captured in a video circulating on social media, has provoked mixed reactions. Eyewitnesses described the act as ‘unbelievably cruel’, while others expressed outrage at the pig’s prolonged suffering before it was euthanised.

Gert Venter, an eyewitness, told Vaalweekblad that the inspector initially noticed blood on the pig’s tail. After the owner refused treatment, the inspector took responsibility. Normally, a captive-bolt pistol is used to euthanise animals humanely. However, in this case, two failed shots left the pig alive.

The inspector then slit the pig’s throat, but the animal walked approximately 8m before a farmer intervened and ended its suffering.

The incident reportedly occurred in front of around 60 onlookers, including women and children.

Marlien de Klerk, the manager of the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark SPCA, confirmed the inspector was suspended and subsequently resigned. De Klerk expressed regret over the incident, saying the SPCA was saddened by what had occurred and the distress caused to the public.