Man found guilty of animal abuse
Local animal champion, Neeri Naidoo labelled the sentencing a ‘slap on the wrist’.
TWO pitbull terrier dogs confiscated from a KwaZulu-Natal man found guilty of animal abuse will not be returned to him. Ronaldo Meyer was found guilty of animal cruelty in the Bizana Magistrates Court at the end of last month.
Magistrate Bulie Pato sentenced Meyer to a R3000 fine or six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years. The dogs, Storm and Spartan were found with broken teeth and they were malnourished. What’s more, the canines were infested with parasites and had infected fight wounds and old scarring from continuous fighting.
Also read:Man fined by court following shocking animal cruelty case
The sentencing was welcomed by Neeri Naidoo from the Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment (PACT) who said: “Many may say that justice had prevailed but the sentence Meyer received was a slap on the wrist. Consequences are minimal and doesn’t prevent others from abusing or neglecting animals. More strict rules and laws need to be implemented to prevent this from happening in the future.”
Naidoo heads the organisation that has dealt with numerous cruelty cases in the north Durban area.
The two pitbullls were confiscated by the Kloof and Highway SPCA one year ago.
Also read: Chain your dog and face a hefty fine, says SPCA
Spokesperson for the Kloof and Highway SPCA, Bridget Ferguson said: “The staff and volunteers at the SPCA have cared and loved Storm and Spartan since they were saved.”
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