After appearing in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, an Animal Health Technician arrested for performing a botched castration on a domestic cat has been denied bail pending verification of his immigration status with the Department of Home Affairs and confirmation of his residential address. The court has adjourned the matter until 31 July.
The suspect was arrested on 21 July for violating the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Act 19 of 1982.
Also read: SPCA opens criminal case following cat’s botched castration
An individual claiming to be qualified for the surgical procedure performed the operation on Howard, an 11-month-old cat, using the owner’s dining room table as an operating surface.
According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Cape of Good Hope, the cat underwent the procedure while sedated but began to bleed excessively afterwards. Howard’s owners promptly rushed him to a private veterinarian, where it was discovered that he was severely dehydrated and in immense pain.
The SPCA expressed horror at the findings of the qualified treating veterinarian at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, confirming that the person responsible for the castration was not qualified for such medical procedures.
It was revealed that the individual in question holds the title of an Animal Health Technician registered with the South African Veterinary Council and works at a well-known private veterinary practice. This incident has raised serious concerns about the qualifications and ethics of certain animal health practitioners.
The SPCA emphasised the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into this case to ensure that the responsible party faces legal consequences for the unlawful treatment of Howard. Jaco Pieterse, the chief inspector of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, stated that the animal must receive justice.
‘The investigation into this case is critical in ensuring that the responsible party is held liable under the law and that justice is served for Howard, who was subjected to cruel and unlawful treatment,’ he said.
He continued, ‘We hope that the arrest of this individual and the coming criminal case serves as a warning to any other individuals defrauding the public and looking to make a quick buck by offering services they are unqualified for that result in animal suffering.’
The suspect has been denied bail pending verification of his immigration status with the Department of Home Affairs and confirmation of his residential address. The court has adjourned the matter until 31 July.
According to IOL, Belinda Abraham, communications manager at the SPCA, took the opportunity to highlight the significance of spaying and neutering pets as part of responsible pet ownership. These procedures can greatly reduce the risk of various health issues, behavioural problems and even death, not to mention prevent the birth of unwanted litter.
For female pets, spaying can help prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, both of which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Similarly, neutering male pets can reduce the risk of testicular cancer and minimise behavioural problems like aggression and roaming. Additionally, these practices play a crucial role in reducing the number of animals living in shelters and facing the possibility of euthanasia.
The Cape of Good Hope The SPCA hopes that the arrest of the fraudulent individual in this case will serve as a warning to others who deceive the public by offering unqualified services that cause harm to animals.
Responsible pet ownership and proper veterinary care remain paramount in ensuring the well-being of pets.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
