MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Da Gamaskop Police arrested a 38-year-old man on Saturday 18 April following allegations of bestiality involving a dog.
A Southern Cape Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, said the Garden Route SPCA’s Mossel Bay branch had alerted them about a house in Albert Luthuli Park, after it had received a complaint from a member of the community.
The man was arrested and a case was opened at the Da Gamaskop Police Station. The matter has since been handed over to the Mossel Bay Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
The suspect was set to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday 20 April, however, he was released from custody pending further investigation and forensic results.
Pojie said once these results have been received, the docket will be resubmitted to the senior public prosecutor for further instructions.
The Garden Route SPCA told Mossel Bay Advertiser the report was received from a concerned member of the public. The SPCA said it immediately contacted the police and law enforcement to assist.
“Inspectors attended the property and secured a medium-sized female crossbreed dog, now named Precious,” said Cheri Cooke, area manager for the Garden Route SPCA.
“Despite the nature of the case, our team acted swiftly and professionally to remove the animal from harm and ensure that all necessary evidence was properly documented and secured.”
The Mossel Bay branch’s Inspector Mariaan Wentzel added that cases like this are incredibly difficult to attend, and one never becomes desensitised to it.
“Our priority was to get her out of that situation as quickly as possible and ensure she was safe. She is now in our care and receiving veterinary treatment. While she is stable, her recovery will take time, and we will be there to support her every step of the way,” said Wentzel.
“We are working closely with the police to compile the docket, ensuring that all evidence is properly prepared and submitted to support the ongoing investigation and prosecution process.”
Cooke said the SPCA would like to thank the member of the public who reported the incident, as well as its inspectors for their dedication in extremely difficult circumstances.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the cruelty animals can face, and the critical role the SPCA plays in protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” she said.
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