Animal cruelty has again reared its ugly head in Richards Bay and Empangeni, with both SPCAs reporting on horrific cases in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Empangeni SPCA was called to intervene after two goats had been stabbed.

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Despite medical intervention, one goat did not survive the ordeal.

This incident follows a man who was arrested for an act of bestiality, also involving a goat.

“Bestiality is a serious, and oftentimes not reported criminal offence,” said Empangeni SPCA chairperson Marina Visser.

She said the SPCA works closely with SAPS in these cases, which are charged under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act No 32 of 2007, with the SPCA adding extra charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

“We will not stop until justice has been served. We thank Dr Fourie from Empangeni Vet for treating our patient with the utmost care and compassion,” said Visser.

Meanwhile, in Richards Bay, a concerned resident found a cat that had been discarded in a plastic bag, and left to give birth to her kittens in the suffocating, confined space.

“The cat had already given birth to one kitten, but there was no space left for the second. It got stuck halfway and died in the most cruel way imaginable,” said Richards Bay SPCA chair Engela Hamman.

SPCA staff member Sihle Ngcobo had to help the cat deliver the deceased kitten. The mother then gave birth to a third kitten, which survived.

The mother cat and her two kittens are healthy and safely in the care of Richards Bay SPCA.

“If you no longer want your animals, bring them to us. No questions asked. Do not let them suffer,” urged Hamman.

The SPCA has a kennel outside its entrance gate. Any animals, either whose owners can no longer afford to look after them, or strays found on the road, can be dropped off in the safety of these kennels, rather than being abandoned or dumped.

Both Empangeni and Richards Bay SPCAs are constantly in need of food to feed the animals in their care.

Follow them on Facebook to keep updated with rescues, or to find out how to support them either financially or by donating food.

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