At least 39 suspects face charges of animal cruelty and contravention of the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance after 112 dogs were confiscated during an operation after they were starved for days before being used to hunt.

Such dogs are often injured when hunting porcupines and sustain wounds which are often sceptic, said Bloemfontein SPCA inspector Werner Botha. “Incular injuries  are comon place with eyes often being injured to the point of removal. 

“The dogs are rarely healthy with distemper, tick bite fever and Bordetella bronchus septic affecting many of the dogs.”

The latest case occurred on Thursday (21/12) when five suspects were arrested in Brandfort for animal cruelty and contravention of nature conservation legislation after an aardvark was illegally  hunted on a farm. 

‘They  face a maximum imprisonment of 10 years’

It's disturbing that people can so easily take the life of an animal as gentle as an aardvark, said Botha. The gentle creature was completely mutilated, while the suspects showed no remorse or empathy for the pain they allegedly caused.

The five suspects are in custody and will appear in court soon. They face a maximum imprisonment of 10 years or a R100,000 fine. Charges of trespassing will be added.

“Bloemfontein SPCA will continue to remain vigilant during the festive season and continue to enforce the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 as well as the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance 8 of 1969.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi mc