HUNTER WITH DOGS NOT GUILTY OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

To this day, I can not understand how man can kill an animal and feel proud about it. It sickens me in my stomach to think that men find this entertaining and fun. I can also see the type of personality that enjoys killing for a living... it seems like its the only place in life where they can make themselves feel good, because they can nor prove their manlihood at home, so they not only go and hunt the animals, but they go to the extent of doing it in such a manner that makes the entire hunting game a complete unfair advantage. Hunting with dogs, shining the light in the animals eyes - so that they are blinded and freeze up, easy to shoot. Its so sick. no wonder our society is as sick as it is.

Editor

www.nspca.co.za
E-NEWSLETTER 14 MAY 2008 HUNTER WITH DOGS NOT GUILTY OF ANIMAL CRUELTY Regular readers of our newsletter will recall the case against Johan Strydom of Bethlehem which has been ongoing since charges were laid against him in mid-2006. We are devastated to report that he has been found not guilty of charges relating to cruelty to animals. 17 dogs he used for hunting purposes were confiscated in June 2006 by NSPCA personnel with a Court Order issued by a Bethlehem Magistrate. The dogs are now back with him. Visuals of the dogs at the time and the conditions in which they were being kept may be seen on http://www.nspca.co.za/other.aspx?page=Gallery and choose the "Hunting Dog Cruelty" gallery. Mr Strydom's web site http://www.africancats-hounds.co.za/ openly promotes his hunting packages and the statement "All this cats hunts (as written on the web site) are with top trained hounds" and "we hunt leopard with hounds", boasting an "80% success rate." Mr Johan Strydom was found guilty of obstructing justice, a criminal conviction and was fined R4000, R2000 of which is suspended for four years. This was because he refused the NSPCA personnel entry and damaged our vehicle. The media release we issued on this case, in its entirety, can be found on http://www.nspca.co.za/ RURAL RACING On Saturday 03 May 2008, our Animals in Exhibition, Entertainment and Sport Unit, two NSPCA Society Liaison Officers and accompanied by personnel from the SPCAs King Williams Town and East London, monitored a rural horse racing meeting at the Bolembo Airport on the outskirts of King Williams Town. Eight races were scheduled for the day, four of which were for thoroughbred racehorses, some bought from racetracks after their "retirement" while others are still actively racing. The other races were scheduled for indigenous breeds. The NSPCA contingent introduced themselves to the Eastern Cape Amateur Racing Association and informed them that their presence was to ensure that the welfare of the animals was in no way compromised. The overall condition of the animals was found to be acceptable although some minor injuries were noted and some animals were poorly shod. The most serious concern is the lack of welfare education on the part of the owners. Races will continue to be monitored. PIGEON RACING May 2008 sees the opening of Sun City's 13th Million Dollar Pigeon Race. International entrants will be arriving in our country from all around the world in order to participate in this "prestigious" event. The NSPCA is in the process of obtaining permits from the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), to enable us to monitor the event from start to finish. WILDLIFE UNIT Following consultations and input from veterinarians and other experts, both locally and internationally, the general consensus is that the return of the reptiles to the wilds of Madagascar would not be in their best interests or that of the wild populations. This is based on the risk of possible disease spread, genetic pollution and the fragile state of health of some of the animals. The NSPCA is currently in the process of seeking sanctuary in South Africa for these animals where they can live out their lives without the possibility of being bred or traded. Any facilities that are identified will be inspected by the NSPCA to ensure high standards of animal welfare in situations that closely mimic the natural habitats of the various species and facilitate normal behaviour. PATE DE FOIE GRAS We'd like to think we played a role in the organisers of the "Sexy Duck and Jozi Bling Pie" undertaking to exclude imported pate de foie gras as an ingredient. The NSPCA expressed concerns when this came to light, advising that this pate is produced using a cruel method to the extent that traditional production of it in South Africa is illegal. Appreciation is expressed to the Jo'burg Wine Show, organiser John Woodward and all involved for noting the concerns of caring people and taking them into account. We wish the festival and the auction to benefit underprivileged youngsters well. According to the official media release, the replacement ingredient is "produced at one of France's top free range duck farms." Until next time With kind regards Chris Kuch