CONTENT WARNING: This article contains content that readers may find distressing
In a horrific act of animal cruelty, a 67-year-old woman was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment in the Muizenberg Magistrates Court.
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In a ruling that underscored the importance of the public’s responsibilities to animals, the court found Carol Ferreira guilty of horrendous animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
She was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for five years.
In June 2022, after a complaint was lodged with the SPCA by a caring member of the public, Inspector Elani Graham found ‘Spud,’ a mixed breed dog, languishing in unimaginable neglect and suffering.
The heart-rending sight of Spud, emaciated to the point of being unable to stand, painted a picture of prolonged suffering. The dog’s living environment was also found to be littered with faeces and refuse that seemed to have accumulated over days. He was also denied clean drinking water.
As further investigations were conducted, the severity of Spud’s condition became even more apparent. The veterinarians from the SPCA Animal Hospital, who examined him, reported distressing findings, from a severe wound on his chest, full of maggots and fly eggs, to numerous growths and sores spread across his frail body.
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Furthermore, an enlarged left carpal joint hinted at osteomyelitis, old fractures, or potential neoplasia, causing limited mobility.
‘This dog was the victim of chronic neglect. His overall condition, that of the wound and emaciated and collapsed demeanour show a prolonged period of inadequate nutrition, care and inadequate or complete absence of veterinary attention,’ read the veterinary report. ‘It is my professional opinion that the animal I inspected suffered unnecessarily and for a prolonged period at the hands of those who were supposed to care for him.’
After assessing Spud, vets decided that the kindest and most compassionate thing to do was to humanely euthanise Spud.
‘A dog cannot speak for itself and is dependent on people to take care of it,’ resonated deeply and served as a poignant reminder to all,’ said Magistrate Vallie during sentencing.
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Picture: Supplied / Cape of Good Hope SPCA
