Content warning: This article contains content that readers may find distressing.
A man from Green Point was arrested on Tuesday afternoon and faces charges of animal cruelty.
This comes after the Cape of Good Hope SPCA received a disturbing one-minute-58-second video of the man relentlessly beating a Boston Terrier with a wooden, bristled brush and launched an immediate investigation.
Also read: SPCA mourns the loss of recently rescued Toby
‘The video…begins with the dog lying petrified on a concrete floor. The man initially hits the dog once, then proceeds to remove the dog’s jersey (which we presume was offering a measure of padding), survey his surroundings and lift the dog by the scruff of his neck,’ reported the SPCA.
‘The dog is then thrown to the ground, pinned down and beaten repeatedly with both the flat and the bristled side of the brush, with one particularly brutal blow appearing to land on the dog’s spine.’
According to the animal welfare organisation, the torn garbage bag with its contents spilled on the ground can be seen in the video is the suggested reason for the cruel beating.
‘The man hits the cowering dog a total of 33 times before he finally wriggles from his grasp and runs for the refuge of his kennel,’ adds the SPCA.
The man was taken into custody by the Cape Town Central SAPS where he awaits his first court appearance.
Waffles, the Boston Terrier, was subsequently confiscated at the time of the man’s arrest and brought to safety at the SPCA where he is currently undergoing veterinary evaluation.
In its statement, SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse said they are extremely thankful to the person who provided them with the evidence that enabled them to act swiftly and decisively.
‘Community vigilance is one of our greatest assets in the fight against animal cruelty,’ says SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham. ‘We sincerely appreciate those who are brave enough to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.’
Also read
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA