Three chickens have been rescued from an apparent ritual act by a bystander and a Tableview Community Policing Forum (CPF) representative.
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The incident led to the arrest of two women on charges of animal cruelty.
The ordeal began when the bystander noticed the chickens, with their legs bound, being placed in the ocean just beyond the shoreline, where the waves repeatedly broke over them. The birds’ drowning is believed to be a part of a ritual cleansing ceremony.
Inspector Rowan Davids of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded immediately, seizing the three broiler hens. Two of the chickens were in an unstable condition. They were transported to the nearest veterinary clinic, where emergency first aid was administered.
The two most critical chickens were revived and stabilised, and then all three were transported to the SPCA’s animal hospital.
There, their feathers were dried, and they were placed next to a warm heater on a blanket pile to recover. They remain in the hospital for ongoing care, as there is a real threat of pneumonia developing.
While South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion, all practices must still comply with the law.
The Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 and the City of Cape Town By-Laws regulate the humane treatment of animals, even in religious contexts.
The two women involved in the incident were arrested and charged with animal cruelty at the Tableview Police Station.
They remain in custody and make their first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today.
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Picture: SPCA