A 19-year-old man will appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday) on charges of animal cruelty following a disturbing incident in which a small dog was mutilated and tortured.
General manager of the Brakpan SPCA, inspector Shiven Bodasing, told the Herald the society received a “ghastly call” at approximately 6pm on Tuesday evening alerting them to the animal’s horrific death.
Bodasing and cadet inspector Siphiwe Sibeko proceeded to an address along Wenden Avenue where they were greeted by a chilling scene – that of a little dog that had been stabbed to death and decapitated.
The alleged culprit is a family member.
“The family stated that they heard the animal scream in pain and attempted to find the source,” said Bodasing.
It is alleged the suspect had taken the pet onto the roof of the house where he then threw its lifeless body on the ground in the yard next to the family’s other two dogs.
Bodasing and Sibeko ensured that photographic evidence was obtained and that the scene remained uncontaminated.
The inspectors then gathered crucial information pertaining to the suspect, who had run off, and established that he had fled on foot to a relative’s house a few streets away.
Upon arrival, the inspectors entered the premises and started the task of searching for the suspect.
Read: SPCA seizes neglected chickens
Bodasing found him hiding in the back of an old bakkie.
He was immediately arrested in terms of the Animal Protection Act no 71 of 1962 and taken to the Brakpan Police Station for detention and processing.
A docket was opened and the suspect is facing five charges of animal cruelty.
“Animal cruelty is a crime and will be treated as such,” said Bodasing.
“We cannot allow such a person to live amongst our community; what if that had been a child?
“I am utterly disgusted at the conduct of the suspect and fail to understand how the mutilation and torture of an innocent and vulnerable animal could possibly be amusing or excusable.”
Bodasing stated his message to the Brakpan community is clear.
“Your SPCA will not stand for this and we will never stop protecting those without a voice.”
Also read: SPCA warns against neglect of dogs
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