The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has secured a conviction in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court following a four-year investigation and trial concerning the mistreatment and neglect of seventeen Pitbull-type dogs kept by a Pietermaritzburg-based breeder.
On 10 February 2026, Mr Amod Sheik was convicted of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The conviction follows an investigation initiated in 2022 after the NSPCA received an anonymous complaint alleging that multiple dogs were being bred and raised under circumstances that raised serious animal welfare concerns, warranting further investigation.
Acting on this information, the NSPCA’s Special Investigations Unit, led by Chief Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, at the time, obtained and executed a warrant in collaboration with the Pietermaritzburg SPCA. Inspectors found a number of dogs housed in conditions that did not meet acceptable welfare standards, including enclosures contaminated with faecal matter. Many of the animals bore old scarring, which required further veterinary and investigative assessment.
At the time, the NSPCA was able to take two of the animals into its care due to the condition that they were in. Criminal charges were subsequently laid against Mr Sheik. Later, the Pietermaritzburg SPCA conducted additional inspections and removed more animals from the property after their condition had deteriorated, despite reasonable opportunity for Mr Sheik to improve their living conditions.
The matter was vigorously contested over approximately four years and involved numerous court appearances. During the proceedings, the defence challenged both the NSPCA’s evidence and the validity of the warrants, with the authorising Magistrates called to testify. The accused also made public allegations in the media concerning the conduct of the SPCA during the course of the investigation. NSPCA witnesses, including Chief Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, former Inspector Shiven Bodasing, and Dr Bryce Marock provided evidence before the Court.
Ultimately, Mr Sheik was sentenced to a fine of R3,000 or three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a further offence in terms of the Animals Protection Act during the period of suspension.
While sentencing is determined solely by the Court, the conviction reinforces that animal cruelty offences will be investigated and prosecuted where evidence warrants, with the aim of preventing further suffering and upholding the welfare and protection of all animals.
A second criminal case is currently being investigated by the South African Police Service, after a subsequent docket was registered in November 2023 by the Pietermaritzburg SPCA.
The NSPCA extends its appreciation to animal behaviourist Ms Louise Thompson, Acting Control Prosecutor Ms Manisha Budhoo, and the Pietermaritzburg SPCA for their contributions to the finalisation of this matter.
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