The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has welcomed the recent conviction of Carlene Coetzee for the illegal maiming of animals, in violation of the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962.

Boksburg Advertiser reports that NSPCA Special Projects Unit inspector Denise Govender said the conviction comes more than a year after Coetzee was formally warned against maiming animals.

Warning ignored

“This conviction sets an important precedent, affirming that the physical alteration of animals for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes is both unlawful and unacceptable,” said Govender.

Govender explained that in October 2023, Coetzee was issued with a warning after being found to have maimed animals. Coetzee admitted to using rubber bands to remove the tails of puppies in her care. Tail docking, the removal of an animal’s tail, is illegal under the APA unless it is carried out for legitimate veterinary or therapeutic reasons to improve an animal’s welfare.

Warrant and inspection

In January 2024, following further information that Coetzee had again illegally maimed boerboel puppies, the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit obtained a warrant to enter her property.

“Upon execution of the warrant, I, together with the NSPCA’s veterinary consultant, Dr Bryce Marock, were initially obstructed from entering the premises, in what appeared to be an attempt to delay the inspection,” Govender said.

“Access was eventually gained, and during the search, seven boerboel puppies were discovered hidden in a wheelbarrow inside a garage. All seven puppies were found to have maimed tails.”

Conviction and sentence

After nearly two years of investigation, the NSPCA secured a conviction against Coetzee for the illegal maiming of animals for cosmetic purposes. She was sentenced to a fine of R20 000 or, failing payment, 10 months’ imprisonment. Half of the prison sentence has been suspended for five years on condition that she does not reoffend.

“Tail docking is a traumatic and painful procedure, often performed without anaesthesia. When carried out incorrectly, or for reasons other than legitimate veterinary treatment, it can cause severe and long-lasting complications, including infections, difficulties with defecation and urination, and nerve damage. It also limits a dog’s ability to communicate and express natural behaviours,” said Govender.

Growing concern

Govender noted that cases of animal maiming are increasing at an alarming rate.

“The NSPCA believes this conviction sends a strong message to those who believe tail maiming is necessary to meet so-called ‘breed standards’ or human preferences about how a dog should look,” said Govender.

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