The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has expressed disappointment that the four men arrested for attacking and stoning a trapped Cape fur seal at Monwabisi Beach in Cape Town were each granted R1,000 bail in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
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The four men, aged between 18 and 26, were all charged with animal cruelty and breaking the Animal Protection Act.
According to News24, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the accused had been released on a bail of R1,000 each.
“Their case has been postponed to 15 February for further investigation,” Ntabazalila said on Tuesday.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has expressed its disapproval of the court’s decision to grant bail to the accused.
“We are disappointed. This animal endured terrible cruelty, and the bail does not fit the crime,” spokesperson Jaco Pieterse said.
According to the SPCA, one of the men had said they were tasked with killing the seal by a traditional healer who offered them R3,000.
The body claimed that it was unable to contact the purported traditional healer at this time.
Pieterse urged the public not to approach wild animals, especially seals resting on our coastlines. He added that if there is reason to have a concern about the seal or its well-being, instead call the SPCA Wildlife Department.
To report any wildlife incidents, contact 021 700 4158/9.
Read more on News24.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA