Update: Arrest warrant issued for Escombe man accused of animal cruelty

John Slabbert, the co-accused in the Dianne Ingram case, who has been charged with animal cruelty, failed to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 15 April.

A warrant for his arrest has been issued by the magistrate.

The case against Slabbert had been remanded so that he could arrange legal aid.

Slabbert was charged, along with Dianne Ingram (Ritchie), with seven counts of animal cruelty after the Kloof & Highway SPCA confiscated 28 animals – seventeen dogs, four cats, two pigs, two rats, two snakes and one mouse – from their rented property in Escombe on Wednesday, 5 November 2014.

Ingram pleaded guilty to the charges and received a fine of R3 000 per count, totalling R21 000, half of which is suspended for three years subject to her not being found guilty of the same offence. She was also found unfit to possess or be in charge of any animal for a period of 10 years.

The magistrate also ordered that she pay the outstanding vet account to the Kloof & Highway SPCA immediately. She now has a criminal record.

Barbara Patrick, Manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA said, “We are very disappointed that John Slabbert did not appear in court as the case has been delayed again. When John Slabbert is arrested then the case will continue in the Pinetown Magistrates Court.”