A VICTORY for animal welfare was achieved at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 20 March, when Jenny Ramish pleaded guilty to a charge of animal cruelty and was sentenced to six months in prison or a R4 000 fine.
According to the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s marketing and fund-raising officer, Brigitte Ferguson, the 11-year-old doberman cross dog, Donna, was in need of veterinary attention but was instead left to suffer for months.
On 11 June 2015, while doing routine inspections in the Mariannhill, Nagina area, Inspector Petros Simamane noticed an emaciated dog on a premises in Nagina Drive.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Owner pleaded guilty to animal cruelty
On closer inspection, Simamane was shocked to find the elderly doberman was so weak she was unable to lift her head.
“She was lying in the sun without access to water, open wounds on her buttocks, lying in her own urine and covered in flies and maggots. Her eyes were almost closed shut with a thick, mucky discharge,” said Ferguson.
“The owner’s explanation for not taking her dog to a vet, or contacting the SPCA for assistance, was she heard she would have to pay,” said Ferguson.
Inspector Simamane explained to the owner she had committed an offence under the Animals Protection Act, No 71 of 1962, and Ramish signed the dog over to the SPCA as an unwanted animal, rather than pay for the required veterinary treatment.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA’s veterinarian at the time, Dr Katherine McIver, said Donna had a body condition score of 0-1 out of five, which meant she was emaciated.
She diagnosed Donna with chronic renal Amyloidosis which was confirmed when the kidneys were sent away for further testing.
“Due to her (Donna’s) advanced condition, she was sadly, humanely euthanased,” said Ferguson.
Dr McIver said the dog was left to suffer without veterinary attention for a prolonged period of time. She also noted that early diagnosis of an underlying disease and treatment could have prevented the severe and unnecessary suffering.
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Ramish pleaded guilty and was sentenced with a fine of R4 000 or six months imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years.
On request of the SPCA, Ramish was further declared unfit to be in possession of any animal for a period of three years.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA’s management and inspectorate department are pleased that after almost three years, Donna received justice.
“We will continue fighting for justice for all neglected animals suffering at the hands of man and be their voice,” said the organisation’s manager, Barbara Patrick.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA team thanked the Pinetown senior public prosecutor, Nogonyothi and prosecutor, Khuzwayo for their assistance in obtaining justice for Donn.
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