A woman is expected to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court next month on charges of animal neglect after allegedly leaving her dog without food, water, shelter or a clean space, reports Ridge Times.

According to Bethal SPCA senior inspector Ian Lombard, he had to wade through faeces that reached above his ankles to reach and tend to the dog.

“His teeth were damaged as he started eating anything he could find, including rocks, to ease his hunger pains,” said Lombard.

The woman appeared in court on June 1 and the matter was postponed to July 25.

Lombard warned that animal neglect and cruelty is a criminal offence and offenders will be prosecuted.

“I see these acts against animals are on the rise. People are warned that they can get a year’s imprisonment or a fine of R40 000 if they are found guilty of such offences. They will also then have a criminal record.

“People must not think they are going to get away with this if an animal is suffering. We will continue to fight against animal cruelty and neglect,” he added.

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