The Swartland & West Coast SPCA has officially laid charges against two young men allegedly involved in the horrific abuse of a Cape Fur seal pup caught on camera.
SPCA chairwoman Colette Mang released a media statement on Tuesday statingĀ that they were able to identify the man who allegedly attacked the seal as well as the man filming the disturbing two-minute clip with the help of āconcerned citizensā.
āOn Monday 11 June 2018 we were alerted to a video that depicted the horrific beating and stabbing of a poor little baby seal. We, as were many members of the public who saw the video on social media, were sickened at this blatant display of cruelty.ā
The horrific animal abuse allegedly took place inĀ Velddrif, a coastal fishing town in the Bergrivier Local Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa.
āAs a result we have been able to gather enough evidence to lay charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 against Marius Tredoux who is the man seen on the video abusing the seal. Charges have also been laid against Rynard van der Heever who filmed the appalling scene.
The charges against Marius Tredoux are obvious as he can be seen beating and hitting the baby seal, however Rynard van der Heever is as guilty in terms of the Act as he did nothing to stop the violent abuse.ā
The SPCA are confident that justice will be served. In a further bid to strengthen their case, they have asked that members of the public go to their local police station and make a statement (signed and stamped by the police) that requests of the court that the highest possible penalty is imposed at sentencing.
āIt is imperative that this original copy is then posted to us for use during proceedings.ā
āHelp us get justice for this poor animal. We do not know what the fate of the seal was as it seems that the scene was filmed in December 2017.ā
To report any animal abuse (even if seen on social media). Please contact the SPCA via email (nspca@nspca.co.za) or telephone (011 ā 907 3590) or evenĀ social media.
