Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspector Siviwe Noko and Cadet Inspector Lwazi Ntungele monitored a Pitbull dog show held in Parkwood yesterday. Parkwood is a suburb situated east of Southfield and northwest of Grassy Park. Inspectors often find disturbing animal welfare violations at these informal dog shows, which draw Pitbull owners from far to compete in various activities, including high jump and conformation. The most frequent violations cited include improper means of transportation used to transport the dogs.
Pitbull locked in a wooden box
On his patrol, Inspector Noko found one of the show dogs confined in a wooden box with insufficient space, light and ventilation. Confining a dog in a place that affords inadequate space, light and ventilation is a contravention in terms of Section 2(1)(b) of the Animals Protection Act 71 0f 1962. Inspector Noko immediately instructed the owner to remove the dog from the box, which he candidly refused to do.
Man flees as Inspector calls SAPS for assistance
The owner was obstructive and refused to cooperate. The Inspector advised the owner that an contravention of the Animals Protection Act is an criminal and prosecutable offence and should he fail to cooperate, he would be arrested. The owner was requested to provide his details and refused to provide any information. He then claimed he was not the owner and proceeded to remove the dog from the wooden box. Inspector Noko further advised the owner that he will be confiscating the dog if he does not comply, where after the man fled the scene and drove off.
Man arrested, waiting to appear before the Court
The man later returned to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park, where the South African Police Service arrested him on charges of animal cruelty and obstruction in terms of the Animals Protection Act. He will appear before the Wynberg Magistrates Court today, Monday, 13 December 2021.
SPCA often undermined – Best to err on the side of caution
It is an offence in terms of Section 8(4) to obstruct any SPCA Inspector or to withhold your information. Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse cautioned, “Many people do not respect the powers of SPCA Inspectors, either not knowing that SPCA Inspectors have powers to arrest, seize animals or that it is an offence to obstruct an Inspector. Any of these offences can land you in hot water should charges be levied against you. Should a person be found guilty of an offence they are liable to a fine of up to R40,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months with an criminal record.”
Animal Protection Act
OFFENCES IN RESPECT OF ANIMALS – (1) Any person who:
(b) confines, chains, tethers or secures any animal unnecessarily or under such conditions or in such a manner or position as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering or in any place which affords inadequate space, ventilation, light protection or shelter from heat, cold or weather;
- Powers of officers of society for prevention of cruelty to animals –
(4) Any person who willfully obstructs, hinders or resists an officer authorized under subsection (1) in the exercise of the power conferred upon him or conceals any animal or thing with an intent to defeat the exercise of such powers, or who upon demand fails to give his name and address to such officer, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to the penalties set out in subsection (1) of section two.
References
Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. n.d. Available: https://www.gov.za/documents/animals-protection-act-22-jun-1963-0000
