THE six men linked to transporting nearly 100 donkeys, that were destined for the illegal donkey skin market, were sentenced to a fine or imprisonment on Wednesday, 7 April at the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court.
According to the manager of the Farm Animal Protection Unit, senior inspector Grace de Lange, the truck carrying the donkeys in early March was intercepted by the NSPCA, with assistance from the Mooi River SPCA.
“The donkeys were found completely infested with external parasites, they had multiple untreated wounds and they were being transported in an inhumane manner. Six people were arrested in relation to the crime and they were all held in custody until the case was heard in court,” said de Lange.
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On Wednesday, 7 April, all six of the accused were found guilty of animal cruelty as well as residing in South Africa illegally.
The magistrate, G. Muller, sentenced each of the accused to a fine of R5 400 or imprisonment of six months.
“Seeing that the fines could not be paid, all of the accused will be kept in jail to serve their sentence. It is a bright day for the donkeys that were rescued. Not only are they making a remarkable recovery and finding loving homes, but they have also been given justice for the cruelty they were forced to endure,” said de Lange.