Court victory for SPCA regarding animal cruelty
A man was found guilty in a case relating to animal cruelty, ensuring victory for the RandWest SPCA for the first time ever.
The Rand West SPCA has made history by securing a successful conviction for the first time ever in a case relating to animal cruelty.
This comes after Eliya Manyisa was found guilty and ordered either to pay R10 000 or go to prison for a year.
The judgement was handed down in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on August 23.
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In December 2020, four pit bulls were confiscated from Manyisa in Borwa, a new township in Westonaria, through a court order. He was found to have neglected his dogs, denied them water and confining them unnecessarily, thus causing them to suffer.
According to Rand West SPCA Inspector Rene van Straten, this conviction is significant for them. “In all our court cases the accused usually pleads guilty, gets a fine and settles out of court without going on trial or getting a criminal record. The animals are put into care of the SPCA officially and that is the end of it.
However, for the first time the accused pleaded not guilty. An advocate representing him in court and evidence was handed in. My colleague and I were also cross-examined and we spent two hours in court for this specific case which is just one of the three cases we have on official trial. He was found guilty by the court, which officially made it the first court case won by SPCA.
“It doesn’t sound like much but in today’s justice system it is considered a serious offence and a huge success for us,” said Van Straten who added that Manyisa is not allowed to keep animals for the next five years.
She added Manyisa also operated under false pretences by using the organisation’s logo for a fund-raising event, stating that he was working with the SPCA.
The organisation followed up on this information and it was also discovered that he was neglecting his animals and that the fundraising event was for self-gain.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said, “We welcome the sentence and hope it will deter cruelty towards animals while at the same time promote responsibility and accountability among the owners,” said Mjonondwane.
