A police officer, sworn to uphold the law, has violated one of the most basic and compassionate protections in society—the humane treatment of animals. Despite multiple warnings issued by Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Inspector Rowan Davids and a clear legal obligation under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, this individual chose continued neglect, resulting in three dogs being removed from his custody under a warrant issued by the Wynberg Magistrates Court.
The officer, a member of the South African Police Services (SAPS), was repeatedly warned to seek veterinary treatment for his emaciated male Boerboel and to remedy the cruel conditions under which the Boerboel and another dog on the property were kept – on static chains. Over a period of 12 days, the SPCA issued four warnings, giving the officer ample time to act. Unfortunately, he chose continued neglect of his animals and his legal and moral duty to care for them.
With no other recourse, Inspector Rowan Davids, accompanied by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, executed the warrant and entered the property. There they found the emaciated male Boerboel chained at the back of the property, a free-roaming female Boerboel and an X breed dog chained at the front of the property.
“It is devastating when those entrusted with enforcing the law are the ones who so blatantly disregard it,” says Inspector Rowan Davids. “This officer had multiple opportunities to do the right thing, but all he did was allow these animals to continue suffering”.
All three animals were removed and are now safely in the care of the SPCA. The male Boerboel, a breed that typically weighs around 55 kg, was admitted to the SPCA’s animal hospital weighing a mere 30 kg. His road to recovery will be long, but he is in the capable hands of the SPCA’s veterinary team as is the female Boerboel, who was diagnosed with a chronic ear infection on admission.
The officer is now facing serious charges under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962. If convicted, he could face up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of R40,000. His actions—or lack thereof—not only violate animal welfare laws but also disregard his public duty to protect vulnerable groups, including animals.
Animal cruelty can occur anywhere, even within the ranks of those sworn to uphold the law, but the SPCA remains committed to animal protection regardless of who the offender may be.
As Inspector Rowan Davids says “No one is above the law when it comes to the welfare of animals”.
