The SPCA received a complaint on Tuesday, 20 June, regarding a Facebook post depicting a cat being tightly held or possibly strangled by the neck while being threatened with a knife.
Following an investigation by the SPCA, Jayden Faans, the person behind the disturbing image involving a cat and a knife, has issued an apology.
Faans, who identifies as a Facebook comedian on his profile, has come under scrutiny for potential violations of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
In his statement, Faans addressed friends, family and animal lovers, stating that the cat in the picture was unharmed and in good health. He claimed that the image was intended as a meme and acknowledged that it was a thoughtless joke.
Also read: Man apologises for ‘joke’ after SPCA probe
Responding to Faans’ apology, the SPCA commented on Cape {Town} Etc’s Instagram page, ‘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.’
‘As with any allegation of animal cruelty there is a process that must be followed. Should we decide to open a case against Mr Faans, he can make his apology to a magistrate and the magistrate can decide if this is acceptable. An apology to the public was owed as this incident understandably caused outrage but the cat is the victim here.’
‘Mr Faans also clearly needs to be educated on the fact that cruelty to animals is not funny and that pet ownership does not give anyone the right to exploit / harm them for the purposes of “entertainment”.’
The SPCA remains committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of animals and urges the public to report any instances of animal cruelty promptly.
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Picture: Jayden Faans / Facebook
