PICS: Police officer faces criminal charges for animal abuse, SPCA removes dogs

A Cape Town police officer has been taken to court for animal cruelty and neglect by the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The SPCA’s Inspector Rowan Davids said the police officer, who swore to uphold the law, has violated one of the most basic and compassionate protections in society - the humane treatment of animals.

Davids said the officer had been issued multiple warnings by the SPCA and continued to ignore and neglect resulting in three dogs being removed from his custody after the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant.

“The officer, a member of the South African Police Services (SAPS), was repeatedly warned to seek veterinary treatment for his emaciated male Boerboel and to remedy the cruel conditions under which the Boerboel and another dog on the property were kept – on static chains. Over 12 days, the SPCA issued four warnings, giving the officer ample time to act. Unfortunately, he chose continued neglect of his animals and his legal and moral duty to care for them,” Inspector Davids said.

With no other recourse, Inspector David, accompanied by members of the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Unit executed the warrant and entered the property.

They found the male Boerboel chained at the back of the property, a free-roaming female Boerboel, and a cross-breed dog chained in the front of the property.

“It is devastating when those entrusted with enforcing the law are the ones who so blatantly disregard it. This officer had multiple opportunities to do the right thing, but all he did was allow these animals to continue suffering. All three animals were removed and are now safely in the care of the SPCA.

”The male Boerboel, a breed that typically weighs around 55 kg, was admitted to the SPCA’s animal hospital weighing a mere 30 kg. His road to recovery will be long, but he is in the capable hands of the SPCA’s veterinary team as is the female Boerboel, who was diagnosed with a chronic ear infection on admission,” Davids said.

The police officer faces serious charges under the Animals Protection Act and if convicted, he could face up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of R40,000.

“Animal cruelty can occur anywhere, even within the ranks of those sworn to uphold the law but the SPCA remains committed to animal protection regardless of who the offender may be. No one is above the law when it comes to the welfare of animals,” Inspector Davids added.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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