Outrage at animal cruelty judgment

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The Durban and Coast SPCA, and animals lovers are outraged at the sentence given to a Chatsworth resident for chaining his dog and leaving it to starve to death. Now the SPCA plans to appeal against the sentence. SPCA Durban general manager Caroline Smith said inspector Alfred Mntungwa had responded to a report of a severely emaciated dog on a property in Chatsworth on March 21. Smith said Mntungwa was greeted by the sight of a young tan cross-breed dog, named Storm, dead at the end of a chain. Storm’s frail body lay next to a makeshift shelter with no food or water present. Smith said a post-mortem examination by chief veterinarian Dr Gilson Muchopa revealed that Storm had died of starvation.

Other findings revealed anaemia, severe parasite infestation, pressure sores and overgrown nails because of chronic inactivity as Storm became too weak to stand or walk.

“There was also the presence of abnormal material (plastic, grass and twigs) in her stomach, indicating her desperation for food as she had resorted to eating the plastic that the wind blew towards her and the grass and twigs she lay on,” Smith said.

A case was registered with the Chatsworth SAPS and the owner was charged with numerous counts of animal cruelty.

On October 26, Sibusiso Mlambo pleaded guilty to the animal cruelty charges and was sentenced to a fine of R2000 or six months’ imprisonment, half of which was suspended for three years.

“We are outraged at the leniency of the sentence, which was a mere slap on the wrist for a heinous crime perpetrated against an innocent and defenceless animal. We will be appealing (against) the sentence and it is our hope that justice will be served upon Storm’s owner,” Smith said.

Minutes after the press statement was posted on Facebook by the SPCA, animal lovers responded with outrage.

Bjern-Penny Petzer said there needed to be a groundswell of protest.

“Don’t let this slide into obscurity. If you’ve never been an activist, then now is the time to take a stand for those that have no choice. In addition the person responsible must have their face splashed on social media. Makes me sick to the stomach to think how this poor doggie suffered he should be made to do the same and see how he likes that! This sentence is. RIDICULOUS shame on the judge who passed it too!!”

Law

Karen Wadsworth Borain said: “The problem is that the Animal Protection Act is so pathetic. The law views a dog as the same as a TV. Just a piece of inexpensive property. We need a dedicated advocate and an animal lover in government to lobby for change in the act.”

Lezzet Abbott said: “What is wrong with people man!? How can you look an animal in the eye knowing that you’re killing it slowly and painfully and still sleep well at night? My heart can’t deal with it.”

Janine Cottrell Christensen said: “Don’t understand how a person can do this, and how the court cannot see that this person’s behaviour indicates a serious psychological issue and that such a person is a danger to their community. Anyone who could do this could hurt anyone horribly frightening and more scary is the response from justice.”

Michelle Naidoo said: “What a sinful act! But don’t worry after you pay the R2 000 fine or serve three months in prison- God will sentence you to much worse than this poor animal had to suffer!”

Between this year and last year, the SPCA investigated 11560 cases of animal cruelty.

Daily News