SPCA serves justice (Not for sensitive viewers due to graphic nature of the content)
Animals have been abused, left to fend for themselves and often extremely neglected. The SPCA fights for our furry friends and their rights.
Humans are the voices for animals and the SPCA ensures those voices are heard.
Animals have been abused, left to fend for themselves and often extremely neglected. The SPCA fights for our furry friends and their rights.
Newcastle SPCA’s passion for animals manifests in much more than simply handing out warnings.
“We are here to enforce the law,” said Elize van Rooyen, SPCA Inspector.
People who commit crimes against animals should be warned that SPCA is not to be underestimated.
Ms van Rooyen has won many court cases in protecting animal rights.
“In one incident, we took a man from Memel to court for neglect and he received a fine and a five year suspended sentence,” she said.
The man was found guilty of tying up his pigs and restraining their mobility. They were and left in the weather with no shelter from the elements.
The SPCA ensured the safety of these animals by moving them to a safe and protected area.
In two other incidents owners tied up their dogs so tightly around their necks, they had to be euthanised. In both these incidents the owners had to face the consequences of their actions by paying fines. They also received suspended sentences.
A dog owner in Fairleigh was found guilty of neglect by keeping his dog tied to a short chain, without food and water.
“The dog was so weak, we had to carry it to our vehicle,” said Ms van Rooyen.
The man was taken to court and received a fine. Allegedly, he is not allowed to own another dog for a certain period of time.
“The court can actually prevent a person from owning any animal or just a specific animal for a specified period of time, if found guilty of animal abuse,” said Ms van Rooyen.
To ensure justice is served, the SPCA has to do more than simply finding the perpetrator. Paperwork and investigations have to be done before a case can be opened.
“When opening a case against an animal owner, it is important to have warnings attached to the docket, as proof that the matter was investigated and the owner warned,” explained Ms van Rooyen.
Although the owners were found guilty in the above mentioned incidents and received fines and suspended sentences, people found guilty of animal abuse can be charged up to R60 000 and a jail sentence, said Ms van Rooyen.
The SPCA does its best to ensure the safety of all animals, but the community is also urged to help and support where they can.
It is important to report crimes against animals, as there are consequences.
“If you know about an animal being abused but did nothing, you can also be charged,” Ms van Rooyen concluded.
See links below for related articles:
Rocky finds love and a new home after a life in chained hell
Resident threatens to shoot ‘vicious’ dog
SPCA educating people on caring for animals
See gallery below with more cases of neglect and abuse the Newcastle SPCA assists with on a daily basis. (Not for sensitive viewers)
