A complaint was lodged with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on Friday, 20 January 2023, regarding a dog that had been brutally beaten at the hands of a feared man in a community in the Maitland area, which led to further investigations, but the case reached a dead end.
Inspector Jeffrey Mfini was assigned to investigate every aspect of the case. The dog was owned by a homeless man and was beaten by an alleged gangster after he claimed that the dog had s attacked him.
The owner of the dog, however, paints a different picture as he spoke of the ordeal the dog had to endure. As part of the investigation, Jeffrey is required to interview possible witnesses and gather affidavits to build a criminal docket that is then submitted to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Jeffrey quickly learnt that the dog was aggravated by the alleged gangster, which led to the alleged attack. The dog was left with multiple severe wounds on the head, eye, and front paw. The dog was in immense pain and was suffering. The community described the dog as a friendly, sweet and extremely loveable dog that has never posed a risk to anyone before.
The investigation, however, came to a standstill after every person Jeffrey interviewed refused to give a witness statement, including the owner of the dog.
The witnesses, including the owner, claim they feared for their lives and that of their families. Jeffrey was repeatedly told that the alleged gangster would inflict harm on them and their loved ones. Without any evidence, which includes witness statements, charges cannot be laid.
An affidavit from the owner or any other eyewitnesses is vital in trying to get the perpetrator held responsible and charged for animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act. This scenario makes it nearly impossible for our Inspectors to carry out their mandate in getting justice for an animal that has been subjected to cruelty of this kind.
“It is very frustrating that there is no cooperation from the witnesses because they fear for their lives. An animal suffered at the hands of a man, who should be brought to justice. It is very sad that some people will not stand up for animals.” said Inspector Jeffrey Mfini
The owner decided to surrender the dog to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for humane euthanasia as he could not afford veterinary care and feared that should the dog return, the alleged gangster would come back and kill his dog.
This case is a prime example of where action could have been taken by the SPCA, however, without the cooperation of witnesses, this is not possible. There is nothing more frustrating that not being able to take action and ensuring justice is served for an animal that was subjected to heinous animal cruelty and torture.
Jeffrey will persist in trying to get justice for this dog and ensure that the perpetrator is charged with animal cruelty. We appeal to any witnesses to come forward and assist Jeffrey in ensuring justice is served for this dog. Jeffrey can be contacted at 021 700 4158/9 or by sending an email to inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za
