Live sheep competition condemned
A case has been opened at the Butterworth SAPS by the East London SPCA against role players in a cruel and inappropriate competition to win a live sheep.
The animal was tied up and displayed as a prize in competition launched in Butterworth in May 2014.
The photographs shows a live sheep with its legs tied together on the floor of the bottle store without freedom of movement or access to water.
A notice had been placed on the side of the animal stating that if customers purchased a bottle of two specific alcoholic drinks, they stand a chance of winning the animal.
“The NSPCA and the East London SPCA have followed our mandate to investigate and take appropriate action in cases of abuse, neglect or cruelty to animals,” says Andries Venter from the NSPCA.
Criminal charges were laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act and charges also laid in terms of the Performing Animals Protection Act as the animal was exhibited.
“Further offences may have occurred in terms of how the animal was handled, transported and possibly slaughtered,” says Venter.
“We thank all caring people who expressed disgust and who join us in condemning this appallingly cruel competition through visuals of which has been circulated on the Internet and Facebook.”
“Appreciation is expressed to individuals with the courage of their conviction to report the matter.”
“Special thanks are extended to the witness who came forward and supplied the necessary evidence to proceed with the prosecution,” says Venter.
Boksburg SPCA manager Wilma Steynbergh applauded the NSPCA staff as well as all the individuals who stepped in to relief this poor animal from further suffering.
“It is mind boggling to even imagine there are people that resort to this kind of cruelty as this poor sheep had to endure – again exploiting animals in order to fill their pockets with money.
“We trust that the public, especially the community of Boksburg, will never support any of these money-making schemes where animals are used and report any such incidents to the SPCA with delay,” says Steynbergh. – @IschkeBoksburg
