Dog shooting a barbaric act says MEC
Mthonjaneni Deputy Mayor Phumlani Ntombela says he did nothing wrong
AN online video of a tied-up dog yelping in desperation while jumping out of the way of bullets being fired at it, has horrified Zululanders.
Yet, the act was described as ‘helpful’ and ‘not wrong’ by Mthonjaneni Deputy Mayor Phumlani Ntombela who ordered the killing.
Confirming one of his bodyguards was responsible for the shooting, Ntombela defended the incident, saying a neighbour had asked him to do it.
‘One of my neighbours had asked on several occasions that the dog be killed as they said it had killed goats and chickens, and they suspected it had rabies,’ he said.
Ntombela explained that when they got to the scene, the dog was already tied up against the fence, ‘waiting for me and my bodyguards to eliminate it’.
‘I can’t tell how many goats and chickens it has killed, but I was simply helping a community member who came to me asking for help. I don’t think what I did was wrong.’
Ntombela accused the person who shared the video of attempting to ruin his political career.
The matter was reported to the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), who referred it to eShowe SPCA for investigation.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Disturbing footage of animal cruelty in Zululand
Chairlady of Empangeni SPCA, Cheryl Whittaker, said, ‘While this video is extremely disturbing, it shows the side of the work that SPCAs have to deal with on an ongoing basis.’
KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nomusa Dube-Ncube, condemned the act, describing it ‘barbaric’ and calling for a full investigation.
‘This conduct is completely unacceptable, particularly from someone who is expected to set an example in his community as an elected public representative,’ she said.
‘We call for stern disciplinary action to be taken should the investigation confirm the allegations of animal cruelty.’
Dube-Ncube said Cogta holds all elected public representatives in municipalities ‘to a high standard’ and the department does not shy away from speaking out when such standards are not upheld.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
