Latest news with #AnimalsProtectionAct
The Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald
NSPCA dismayed over NPA declining to prosecute Julius Malema for cruelty
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) on Wednesday expressed disappointment at the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) decision not to prosecute EFF leader Julius Malema for cruelty regarding an incident in 2023. 'The case stems from a widely circulated video depicting Malema attempting to slaughter a cow in a manner the NSPCA believes violated the Animals Protection Act and inflicted unnecessary suffering,' said the NSPCA which opened a formal case in September 2023. The organisation said it had supplied supplementary video evidence, affidavits and secured a key eyewitness who captured further footage at the scene. 'Yet, in a letter to the NSPCA, the NPA stated 'the prosecution will not be in a position to adduce sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt' that a contravention of the act occurred. The letter further cited the 'authenticity' of the video footage as a concern.' The case faced numerous challenges and was escalated by the NSPCA. 'While we acknowledge and respect the independence of the prosecutorial process, we are disheartened by this outcome. We believed the available evidence merited judicial consideration. This decision will no doubt be dismaying to many South Africans who care deeply about the humane treatment of animals. 'This matter also underscores a broader issue: the continued struggle for animals to achieve visibility and protection in the justice system. The law must be applied consistently,' said the NSPCA. TimesLIVE
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
NPA declines to prosecute Julius Malema in animal cruelty case
The National Prosecuting Authority has declined to prosecute EFF leader Julius Malema for animal cruelty. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has declined to pursue criminal charges in an animal cruelty case involving EFF leader Julius Malema. The case relates to a widely circulated 2023 video in which Malema was seen attempting to slaughter a cow. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA). alleges that the act contravened the Animals Protection Act, citing 'unnecessary suffering' inflicted on the animal. The NSPCA confirmed it opened a formal case in September 2023, submitting video evidence, affidavits, and the testimony of a key eyewitness who had captured additional footage of the incident. The NSPCA said the NPA informed them that 'the prosecution would not be able to adduce sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt' that the law had been broken. The NPA also cited concerns regarding the 'authenticity' of the video evidence. The NSPCA described the outcome as a serious setback for animal welfare. 'While we acknowledge and respect the independence of the prosecutorial process, we are deeply disheartened by this outcome,' the organisation said. 'We believed the available evidence merited judicial consideration.' According to the NSPCA, the matter was escalated through several tiers of the prosecutorial hierarchy, from the Public Prosecutor to the Chief Public Prosecutor, Director of Public Prosecutions, and ultimately the National Director of Public Prosecutions, but all declined to proceed with a prosecution. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This decision will no doubt be dismaying to many South Africans who care deeply about the humane treatment of animals,' the NSPCA stated. The organisation also said the case highlighted systemic issues in the legal protection of animals. 'This matter also underscores a broader issue: the continued struggle for animals to achieve visibility and protection within the justice system. The law must be applied consistently.' THE MERCURY
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
NSPCA dismayed over NPA declining to prosecute Julius Malema for cruelty
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) on Wednesday expressed disappointment at the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) decision not to prosecute EFF leader Julius Malema for cruelty regarding an incident in 2023. 'The case stems from a widely circulated video depicting Malema attempting to slaughter a cow in a manner the NSPCA believes violated the Animals Protection Act and inflicted unnecessary suffering,' said the NSPCA which opened a formal case in September 2023. The organisation said it had supplied supplementary video evidence, affidavits and secured a key eyewitness who captured further footage at the scene. 'Yet, in a letter to the NSPCA, the NPA stated 'the prosecution will not be in a position to adduce sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt' that a contravention of the act occurred. The letter further cited the 'authenticity' of the video footage as a concern.' The case faced numerous challenges and was escalated by the NSPCA. 'While we acknowledge and respect the independence of the prosecutorial process, we are disheartened by this outcome. We believed the available evidence merited judicial consideration. This decision will no doubt be dismaying to many South Africans who care deeply about the humane treatment of animals. 'This matter also underscores a broader issue: the continued struggle for animals to achieve visibility and protection in the justice system. The law must be applied consistently,' said the NSPCA.
The South African
25-07-2025
- The South African
SPCA to investigate Tshwane man who threatened to beat dog
The Tshwane division of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is investigating a viral clip of a man threatening to beat his dog. In a clip posted on X, user @pookiepolls posted a clip filmed by a Johannesburg man who had raised concerns about his neighbour, who had threatened to beat his dog. The neighbour launched a profanity-filled rant in response. He said, 'How is it any of your business? It's not your dog….When you hear my dog screaming next time, you shut your mouth! I'm going to go there and beat it again, because it's my business, it's my dog.' The clip has been widely shared on the X platform, and many South Africans have raised concerns about the animal's welfare. The NSPCA responded to several X posts stating that the Tshwane branch would investigate the man. The SPCA has repeatedly warned the public that animal abusers can be criminally charged under the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962. The act – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment. Offenders can also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction. According to the SPCA, the APA makes provisions for individuals who also infuriate or terrify animals. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- The Citizen
Alleged animal abuse at university farm: Stellenbosch students under investigation
Stellenbosch University (SU) is facing an investigation by the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) after Farmer's Weekly was alerted to the alleged inhumane treatment of animals at the SU's experimental farm. Students allegedly 'sped up' taking of manure and urine samples During trials conducted by students in SU's Department of Animal Sciences to test the nutritional uptake of feed, sheep were allegedly near-suffocated with plastic bags to force them to release their bowels. Manure and urine samples needed to be collected for the tests, but rather than wait for the sheep to defecate naturally, it is alleged that students attempted to speed up the process. As it is common for animals to release their bowels moments before they die, the plastic bags were quickly removed after the animals defecated to prevent them from dying. The report was made to Farmer's Weekly on condition of anonymity. It further stated that animals in the facilities had at times gone without water and food. Whistleblower blames post-graduate students The whistleblower said that all students that had to perform tests on animals were trained in the ethical treatment of animals. 'There are clear guidelines about how the animals must be treated. This includes ensuring that they have enough water and food, and that no animal may be pulled by their legs or ears. The students involved in the allegations are those that did not obtain their degrees at SU but are doing their post-graduate studies there. Perhaps other universities are not as strict on animal welfare,' they said. NSPCA monitoring investigation The NSPCA has since engaged directly with SU, escalating the matter to the university's Research Ethics Committee: Animal Care and Use. The university has initiated an internal investigation and disciplinary processes. Jacques Peacock, communications manager at the NSPCA, said the council was monitoring the investigation. 'If the conduct is verified, it would raise serious animal welfare concerns. 'Forcing an animal to defecate or urinate through suffocation or near-suffocation is not an acceptable practice and could constitute an offence under the Animals Protection Act. Any research or testing involving animals in South Africa must comply with both national animal welfare legislation and research standards,' he said. No animals in immediate danger – university Martin Viljoen, media manager at SU, said that the matter was of grave concern to the university. He noted that the complaint was under investigation and that SU could not comment on what steps were being taken against the students involved. 'As a matter of urgency, the committee has established that no animals are currently in immediate danger,' he added. 'All students and researchers involved in the use of animals for scientific purposes are annually trained in ethics and integrity by relevant experts and committees. All animals are under strict veterinary supervision.' Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
