SANDF facing prosecution for animal cruelty over neglect of military horses
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said the horses had severe malnutrition.
Image: Supplied by NSPCA
After a protracted seven-year battle, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has welcomed the decision by the North West Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prosecute the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its Special Infantry Capability (SAASIC) Unit for animal cruelty.
The NSPCA said the issue came to light in 2018 when inspectors went to the SAASIC base in Potchefstroom. It said despite a standing agreement between the NSPCA and the SANDF to protect military animals, inspectors found horses living in dire conditions.
NSPCA inspectors discovered horses suffering from extreme malnutrition and housed in inadequate facilities. Some had resorted to eating soil and faeces to survive.
“Twenty-five severely compromised horses had to be humanely euthanised, with no prospect of recovery and rehabilitation,” said Dr Bryce Marock, the NSPCA’s Consulting Veterinarian.
Some of the military horses that were removed by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) from the Special Infantry Capability (SAASIC) Unit base in Potchefstroom.
Image: Supplied by NSPCA
Despite repeated calls for intervention, the SANDF allegedly failed to act, prompting the NSPCA to intervene again and remove dozens of animals.
“We were able to remove 69 horses from the Potchefstroom base,” said Dr Marock.
“Many of them were in such an emaciated condition or compromised state of health, although some were able to find caring homes after the NSPCA’s intervention.”
The NSPCA said the prosecution of the case faced delays as it alleged that case dockets reportedly disappeared, accused individuals refused to cooperate, and police in Potchefstroom had failed to properly manage the case.
It said with the DPP finally authorising prosecution under the Animals Protection Act, it believed its efforts had been vindicated.