Landmark NSPCA convictions for animal abuser
JOBURG – Cruelty to pit bull terriers is not confined to the pit.
The National Council of SPCAs acknowledges with heartfelt appreciation the significant outcome of the case against Margaretha Catherina Joubert on 3 February.
“We feel that justice was sought and received for the animals and that the sentencing sends out a significant warning to anyone abusing an animal in our country.”
Joubert was sentenced to a total fine of R30 000 or 15 months imprisonment in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on 2 February after electing not to continue with the trial proceedings and choosing to enter into a plea bargain with the State relating to charges laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 by the NSPCA.
R20 000 of the fine or 10 months of the prison term were suspended for five years on condition that Joubert does not obstruct the NSPCA or contravene any section of the Animals Protection Act during that period.
The case started in Match 2014 when the NSPCA personnel found the overall hygiene standards to be very low with concerns ranging from filthy water bowls, flea infestations of the numerous chained pit bull terrier dogs, substandard shelter and decomposing dog food in addition to severe animal welfare contraventions which included a number of animals in need of immediate veterinary attention. These animals had untreated conditions, malnutrition, infected injuries, ulcerated tumours, infection of the bone, painful dental conditions and broken teeth and one animal with a broken and disintegrating jaw. Twenty three animals were removed due to the extent of their injuries and untreated conditions.
Joubert’s alleged ex-husband Johannes “Fanie” Joubert was arrested at a dog fight in 2011 in Plettenburg Bay and then convicted under the Animal Fights section of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
Craig Rudman, general manager of Randburg SPCA said, “As an animal organisation, fighting for the preservation of animal rights, we avidly condemn any sort of animal cruelty – whether it be neglect or dog fighting. In light of the current convictions, we hope that this deters any possible transgressors as they will ultimately face the hand of the law under the Animal Protection Act.”
Details: NSPCA, 011 907 3590.
