Last month, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA pledged to ensure that justice was served for the animal victims of the notorious Du Noon animal hawker, who was operating at the Malibongwe Bridge.
Last week, they honoured that commitment when an arrest was finally made after countless reports, numerous attempts to catch him in the act, and many sly escapes on his part.
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The SPCA’s teams said that they couldn’t have done it without the support of fellow animal lovers, rescuers, and the swift response of the City of Cape Town’s Animal Control Unit.
According to the SPCA’s official report of the incident, it came down to one individual engaging with him, feigning interest in an animal for sale, so that the hawker, known for changing clothes every 30 minutes to avoid identification by authorities, could finally be apprehended.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse was at the scene. He said, “I’m thankful that this animal abuser will finally face his day in court. We will never give up when we know that animals need us, even if it means returning to the same area several times a day and at all times of the day or night for weeks on end.”
Inspectorate Pieterse continued, “We were determined to put a stop to this, and we’re glad our perseverance has paid off. Following his arrest, a search of the accused’s home was undertaken to ensure that there were no animals at his place of residence in need of our help. Fortunately, this was not the case, and so we will all sleep a little easier tonight.”
The animal abuser has been apprehended, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA will now begin legal proceedings to put an end to the suffering he has caused animals, as well as the emotional blackmail experienced by every animal lover who has crossed his path.
The accused now faces charges under Section 13(17) of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By Law, which states that it is an offence for any person to sell or offer to sell an animal in a street or public place without the City’s authorisation, as well as charges of animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.
This case emphasises, more than ever, the importance of working together to ensure that those who exploit animals for personal gain are brought to justice.
“Please remember that by buying animals from anyone trying to sell them to you from the roadside, you are unwittingly perpetuating a cycle of cruelty and abuse,” the organisation said. “Sales create demand! We know it’s hard to leave an animal in distress behind, but rather take photographic or video evidence of any cruelty you witness and report this to our Inspectorate as soon as possible.”
Reports can be made by contacting the inspectorate 24/7 at 0217004158/9 or [email protected].
Cruelty can also be reported online here.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
