The Springs SPCA won a court case against a local breeder recently. The organisation was alerted to a case of severe animal abuse taking place in Struisbult in August 2022.
Annecia Morton, the manager and inspector for the Springs SPCA, says the information they received was accompanied by photos.
“The information had photographic evidence that absolutely sickened us. It was of the severe tail maiming of a young Rottweiler puppy. Maiming an animal is a direct violation of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962.”
The Springs SPCA obtained a warrant to search and seize and executed the warrant with their sister society, the Brakpan SPCA.
“They seized 15 Rottweilers of varying ages from atrocious conditions, along with further incriminating evidence such as the equipment used for tail maiming, the contracts entered into with prospective buyers who paid extra for this service and numerous other items.
“These Rottweilers have remained in our care despite the perpetrators’ attempts to gain custody of them through a civil case they took against us, which was also ruled in the favour of the SPCA.”
The case was heard on November 20 at the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
“We provided compelling evidence of neglect and abuse, shedding light on the harsh conditions faced by the Rottweilers under the care of Angelique Terblanche and Engela Marx.”
On November 24, the court issued a guilty verdict.
The perpetrators were sentenced to the following:
• Ten months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on condition the accused is not convicted of contravening 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(q) of the Animals Protection Act No of 1962 committed during the period of suspension.
• In terms of section 3(1)(b) order that the accused be deprived of ownership of animals (Rottweiler dogs).
• In terms of section 3(1)(c) order that the accused be unfit to own or be in charge of dogs for five years.
• Order that if the accused is in possession of dogs, they be immediately seized by the Springs SPCA.
Over and above this, Terblanche was further sentenced to:
• R10 000 or in the alternative by default 10 months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of contravening section 23(1) of the Veterinary and Para Veterinary Professions Act 19 of 1982 committed during the period of suspension. Morton said they welcomed the verdict as it set a precedence for the future and well-being of all animals.
“We are grateful for the guilty verdict and sentencing as it sends a message that such barbaric cruelty will not be tolerated in our community.
“This is the first sentencing made in accordance with the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 for the act of maiming, and we trust it will set the benchmark for future cases.”
Morton urges residents to stop turning to unethical breeders when looking for pets.
“Unethical breeders are prevalent in our community, jeopardising the well-being of innocent animals. I urge people to be cautious when choosing a breeder, prioritise ethical practices, and consider adoption as a humane alternative. Let’s work together to ensure the welfare of our beloved companions.”
The Rottweilers will undergo behavioural evaluations to determine whether they can safely be rehomed.
