Benoni SPCA confiscates 15 pigs in Daveyton
Pigs with broken legs, respiratory infections, flesh wounds, gastroenteritis and facial abscesses were removed.
The owner of an informal “piggery” will be prosecuted with cruelty to animals after the Benoni SPCA confiscated 15 pigs on July 19 in Daveyton.
According to Vicky Finnemore, manager at the Benoni SPCA, the pigs were living in a polluted, poorly-sheltered area, and many were without access to water.
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The SPCA initially attempted to educate and work with the owners who had agreed to address the identified welfare concerns.
“We also requested assistance from the local state veterinarian, who had diagnosed many of the younger pigs with pneumonia, and free medical treatment was offered for the pigs, but the owners declined,” she said.
After an inspection of the pigs on July 18, the SPCA found serious neglect and inspectors had no choice but to enforce the provisions of the Animals Protection Act with the assistance of the Daveyton SAPS.
The pigs were confiscated and one had to be euthanised on site.
Pigs with broken legs, respiratory infections, flesh wounds, gastroenteritis and facial abscesses were removed.
Finnemore said when working in rural areas or informal settlements, the SPCA tries to educate before resorting to the removal of animals.
“When what may have been ignorance turns into blatant cruelty, the SPCA will not hesitate to use the full might of the law against this criminal behaviour,” she concluded.
