VEREENIGING – The local SPCA is investigating the shocking incident during which an SPCA inspector cut the throat of a pig in a cruel and bloody manner in front of the public.

The incident, of which a video is circulating on social media and has provoked mixed reactions, happened on November 16 at an auction in De Deur.

In the video, one can see how the inspector cuts the pig’s throat.

Eyewitnesses described it as unbelievably cruel, while members of the public were shocked at the suffering the pig was subjected to before it was finally euthanised.

Gert Venter, an eyewitness at the scene, told Vaalweekblad the inspector noticed blood on the pig’s tail.

The owner did not want to take the pig for treatment and gave it to the SPCA inspector.

The inspector decided to spare the pig’s suffering and kill it instead.

Usually, a captive-bolt pistol is used as the fastest and most humane method for anaesthetising animals before slaughter.

However, this is where things went wrong.

The inspector shot the pig twice, but the animal was still alive.

The inspector then decided to cut the pig’s throat, in full view of the public.

Still, the pig did not die and walked about eight meters before a local farmer put the animal out of its misery.

According to Gert, the incident happened in front of at least 60 people, including women and children.

Manager of the SPCA of Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark Marlien de Klerk, confirmed the incident and said the inspector in question was immediately suspended, after which he resigned.

According to De Klerk, the SPCA is equally saddened by the incident and regrets the unhappiness caused by this incident.