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 SPCAs 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 Magistrates 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.
