Two Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors were attacked while trying to apprehend a man with two scrawny dogs, the organisation said in a statement.
According to SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse, a cadet inspector, Eugene Links was sent to Lakeside on Monday July 25 to investigate reports of a man seen walking with two severely underweight dogs.
“The complainants said the dogs were in poor condition. They offered assistance to the man but he refused. The complainants followed the suspect until the SPCA arrived,” said Mr Pieterse.
The man had become hostile and had run away when Mr Links had tried to inspect the animals, said Mr Pieterse.
Mr Links had pursued him to Retreat and had apprehended him with the help of SPCA inspector Werner Taljaard, but the man had pushed Mr Taljaard and had goaded the dogs to attack both inspectors, leading to Mr Links being bitten on his arm, said Mr Pieterse.
Mr Taljaard restrained the man and placed him under arrest before taking him to Steenberg police station where he was charged with obstruction and assault. Both dogs were confiscated and taken to the SPCA in Grassy Park.
Mr Pieterse said the dogs would remain at the SPCA’s care unit, on a strict diet to help them gain weight and recover, until they found suitable homes.
According to Mr Pieterse, it is a criminal offence to obstruct an officer of the SPCA and can lead to arrest. Anyone found guilty of such an offence can face a fine of up to R40 000 and, or a year’s imprisonment, with a criminal record.
Steenberg police spokesman Captain Richard Marcus confirmed that they had arrested a 47 year-old man, and the case had been postponed to Friday August 26.
Report animal cruelty to the SPCA at 021 700 4158/9 during office hours, 083 326 1604 after hours, or email inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za
