Eye witnesses reported that the dog was screaming in agony for several minutes whilst being butchered alive. It was also reported that the dog was being sacrificed . Its heart was taken out and eaten by the accused. Evidence gathered from the scene indicated that the dog suffered blunt force trauma to the head with a hammer. It was asphyxiated with a rope. The dog was dissected, its heart removed and the accused covered himself with its blood.

“The dog’s lifeless body was lying on the floor with all its organs hanging out. There was blood all over the room. I will never forget this disturbing scene,” says Inspector Lycinda Visser.

The Vereeniging & Vanderbijlaprk SPCA removed the carcass of the dog to an independent veterinary hospital for a post-mortem. The accused was arrested by the Zamdela SAPS and charges of animal cruelty were laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 the same night.

“We are pleased that justice prevailed for this animal that endured a horrendous death. We would also like to thank all our supporters that donated towards the payment of the independent post-mortem – money well spent,” says Marlien Pieterse, manager of the local SPCA.“Without the support of our community we would not be able to ensure justice in cases like these.”