Chicken trader allowed to sell despite guilt
The NSPCA is not fully satisfied with how a case of animal cruelty has been handled.
A chicken trader, after having admitted to animal cruelty and being subject to a fine, still sells his chickens in Roodepoort, according to the NSPCA.
As initially reported by Times Live on Friday 17 January, Johan Abrie can still trade despite pleading guilty to animal cruelty in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court.
Senior inpector Andries Venter who manages the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit explained in a statement that the chicken seller had to pay a R3 000 fine on admission of guilt after being accused of contravening the Animal Protection Act.
His admission of guilt meant that the case never fully went to court, and according to Venter the NSPCA therefore was not given the opportunity to request the accused to be declared unfit to be in the possession of or own animals.
Venter also explained that the initial report on his chickens stated that they were sold with gaping, untreated wounds and that they were on sale while water wasn’t available to them. Venter cannot think of the case as a real victory.
“We are satisfied that the accused recognised the error of his ways and admitted guilt. Yet it is extraordinary that not even a suspended sentence was given.”
Despite the birds being taken away and slaughtered after the fine was paid, Abrie still can buy and trade new chickens. The Record could not reach the NSPCA for further comment.
