A woman is facing charges of animal neglect after she left her dog without food, water, shelter and a clean space to fend for itself.

According to the Bethal SPCA senior inspector, Ian Lombard, he had to walk through the dog’s faeces, which came up to above his ankles, to tend to the dog.

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

The case was postponed to July 25 for sentencing.

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Lombard said people must start realising that animal neglect or cruelty is a criminal offence, and people will be caught and prosecuted for such acts.

“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.”

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