Conviction for Bethal Resident After Dog Found in Fatal Condition

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) commends the conviction and sentencing of Alarice Megan Smith, found guilty of cruelty to animals in the Bethal Magistrates’ Court. Ms Smith knowingly kept one of her dogs in a prolonged state of severe neglect, during which the animal suffered extreme pain from emaciation, dehydration, and an untreated bite wound that developed into a serious and rapidly worsening infection, with maggot infestation and systemic sepsis.

In June 2024, NSPCA Inspectors assisted Bethal SPCA with a complaint about a severely neglected dog at Ms Smith’s Bethal property. They found an emaciated and badly wounded Boerboel lying among household refuse, covered in his own waste, with one leg swollen to nearly four times its normal size from untreated, maggot-infested bite wounds. The dog was immobile and struggling to breathe. The dog was humanely euthanised on site to prevent further suffering.

It was clear the dog had endured extreme neglect over several weeks. A necropsy revealed severe loss of muscle mass, underlying bone infection, large areas of dead tissue, and deep tissue infections, all of which would have caused significant pain. Ms Smith claimed she was in financial distress and waiting to be paid before seeking veterinary assistance, despite living less than two kilometres from the Bethal SPCA. Financial difficulty will never justify allowing an animal to suffer in agony.

The cruelty in this case was prolonged, avoidable, and extreme. This was not only a clear contravention of the Animals Protection Act but also an active decision to leave the suffering animal to deteriorate, rather than seek immediate help.

Ms Smith was sentenced to a fine of R3,500 or six months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years on condition that she does not reoffend. She was also ordered to pay R1,000 to Bethal SPCA as a contribution towards the animals in its care. This conviction sends a strong message that prolonged animal neglect and failure to seek help will have legal consequences.

Cases such as this underline the importance of the NSPCA’s work in pursuing prosecutions, ensuring accountability, and promoting compliance with animal welfare laws. The NSPCA urges communities to remain vigilant and to report suspected cruelty timeously.