The NSPCA has been in court since yesterday in the pursuance of justice for the many animals that were found in unacceptable conditions on, Parliament Speaker, Thandi Modise’s farm in 2014.
It is extremely disappointing that it appears as though political agendas are being brought to the forefront of this case instead of the serious animal welfare concerns and cruelty that resulted in this prosecution in the first place.
The NSPCA confiscated a total of 120 animals and euthanased a further 117 animals after they had been found without any access to food or water. The property was littered with carcasses of the animals that had perished as a result of this negligence and abuse. The animals that were still alive were even found cannibalising off the carcasses and young in an attempt to survive.
“It is alarming that politics can even be considered as a possible excuse for animal cruelty. Cruelty is cruelty, and that is exactly what was found on the farm in 2014. It cannot be tolerated under any circumstances, regardless of who you are” – Marcelle Meredith, Executive Director of the National Council of SPCAs.
Yesterday, Senior Inspector Grace de Lange, manager of the Farm Animal Protection Unit, gave evidence in relation to the suffering of the dead and dying animals she witnessed at the crime scene. An additional two witnesses gave evidence in court today as well. The veterinarian that the NSPCA had taken to the scene, Dr. Abbas, was asked to step down from the stand today and give evidence at the next court date set for 13-15 April 2021.
The NSPCA remains indebted to Gerrie Nel and the legal and investigative team of AfriForum. We thank them for their support in pursuing this private prosecution on our behalf.
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