Dianne Ritchie/Ingram appeared in the Durban Regional Court on the morning of 29 September on charges of animal cruelty that had been laid against her by the Durban and Coast SPCA.
She was found guilty as charged and sentenced to a fine of R1 000 or one year’s imprisonment, which is suspended for five years on condition she is not found guilty of the same offence.
Earlier in March this year she pleaded guilty to seven counts of animal cruelty in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on charges of animal cruelty that were laid against her by the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
She received a fine of R3 000 per count (R21 000), half of which is suspended for three years subject to her not being found guilty of the same offence. Ingram was also found unfit to possess or be in charge of any animal for a period of 10 years.
The magistrate ordered that Ritchie/Ingram pay back the outstanding vet account to the Kloof and Highway SPCA immediately, and she now has a criminal record.
No payment to date has been received from Dianne Ingram/Ritchie by the Kloof and Highway SPCA for the outstanding vet account.
