Cape of Good Hope SPCA expressed its sincerest thanks to animal lovers on the internet who united to assist the organisation in locating Jayden Faans after being alerted to a possible case of animal cruelty.
On 20 June 2023, Faans, who identifies as a Facebook comedian, created a meme for laughs involving him holding his cat tightly by the neck and holding a knife to it in a threatening pose.
The SPCA was alerted to the post late on the evening of 20 June and proceeded to call on the public for assistance in locating Faans, who at the time was only known to the organisation by name.
Since the incident, Faans released an apology, to which the SPCA responded with a comment on Cape {Town} Etc’s Instagram page saying, ‘If he is truly remorseful, he should do the right thing and come forward to the SPCA so he can be held accountable for his actions.’
Also read: SPCA says Mr Faans can make apology to magistrate
Faans’ residential address information was obtained yesterday.
SPCA Inspector Theo Arendolf responded and found Faans at his place of residence in Stellenbosch later that day.
‘Thanks to everyone who was as outraged by this incident as we were, Inspector Theo Arendolf was able to trace Mr Faans. Both the cat used in the meme and another cat found on the property are now safely in the care of the SPCA,’ said spokesperson Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
The cats – both unneutered males – will be assessed by the organisation’s vets.
Faans was issued with a warning to refrain from any similar acts in the future, and chargers are still being considered, depending on the vet’s findings.
The ‘meme’ posted by Faans indicates possible contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
In a statement, the SPCA appealed to the public to be responsible with the type of content individuals post online and to not endorse animal cruelty or any unkind act.
‘Being cruel to animals is never funny and it’s unfortunate that Mr Faans had to learn that lesson the hard way,’ added the SPCA.
The SPCA remains committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of animals and urges the public to report any instances of animal cruelty promptly.
Also read:
SPCA inspector survives hijaking and attempted kidnapping in Khayelitsha
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
