Court victory for Benoni SPCA

Benoni SPCA has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Willem Lagrange (63) of Rynfield who assaulted his pet Labrador, Buddy, with a belt and strangled it.

The Benoni Magistrate’s Court found Lagrange guilty on August 15 and sentenced him to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, or a fine of R4 000.

Lagrange was arrested in September after the SPCA opened a case against him after obtaining video footage of the incident from a concerned member of the public.

Buddy survived the attack and was confiscated by Benoni SPCA.

It was revealed in court that the reason why Lagrange assaulted his dog was that he was disciplining the dog for chewing wires.

Presenting her judgement report, Magistrate Skosana said the state witness was credible.

“He was firm and he did not attempt to exaggerate his testimony. He didn’t contradict himself as he identified the man and the dog in the video footage.

“The evidence that was presented in court that the accused said he was disciplining the dog when he was asked why he assaulted the dog, was not challenged. Therefore the court is satisfied that the state has made a prima facie case against the accused person.”

Skosana said SPCA inspector Mohlake went to Lagrange’s property with police officers after receiving the complainant.

Mohlake testified that how the dog was beaten contravenes the Animals Protection Act.

He told the court Buddy was limping and when the accused was asked about this he said he was reversing his car and accidentally hit the dog.

Apparently, no veterinarian records were found at Oakfields Veterinary Hospital after Lagrange indicated that he took the dog there to receive treatment.

Also Read: Rynfield man charged with animal cruelty after beating, strangling dog

State Advocate Mbonambi argued during aggravation of sentence that the accused did not show remorse, that his offence is serious and that his type of offence is prevalent in Benoni.

Mbonambi said the conduct of the accused has left scars on the victim (Buddy) although the dog cannot voice this.

During the mitigation of the sentence, Lagrange’s lawyer asked the court to consider that her client is an elderly person and a first offender.

“My client is suffering from a heart condition and takes six pills a day.

“He is diabetic and informs me that he is on insulin. Based on the circumstances given before the court, he is not a suitable candidate for imprisonment. The court should consider his seven employees who are dependent on him,” his lawyer said.

The lawyer also indicated in court that his client would appeal the sentence.

Celebrating victory, a few Benoni SPCA supporters who were in court welcomed the sentence and hoped such sentences would deter cruelty towards animals.

Benoni SPCA
The general manager of Benoni SPCA, Jacques Cronje, said it was a wonderful day for the SPCA after numerous court appearances.

“We are happy that justice was served and the animal’s rights were upheld. We are proud of Mohlake who puts in long hours for the animals in the area. Without him, we wouldn’t have secured a successful conviction.”

Cronje said Buddy is now up for adoption. For more information contact the Benoni SPCA on 011 894 2814.

Also Read: Buddy is back from retirement