South Africa: Man banned from owning pets for the next five years after leaving his dog to suffer with its face slowly rotting off. The dog had to be euthanized.

SOUTH AFRICA -- The Durban & Coast SPCA has sent out a strong message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. This comes after a Phoenix man was found guilty of animal cruelty and sentenced to a fine of R6 000, half of which is suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of a similar offence, or 12 months in prison. The accused was also denied the right to own any animals for the next five years.

The man’s dog, which had a large, festering wound across its face, had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries.

According to Lindsey Concer, communications manager for the Durban & Coast SPCA, the sentence was a victory for their Inspectorate Manager, Candice Sadayan.

“She worked long and hard in order to get justice for the animal in question,  liaising with the police and prosecutors, and appearing several times in the Verulam Court.

"The case was brought to our Phoenix branch for euthanasia by the accused’s son. The dog had severe injuries to its face, with a large deep wound which must have caused extreme pain.

“The wound had become infected and had maggots, indicating that it had been like that for some time without any kind of veterinary treatment. The receptionist brought the injury to the attention of our veterinarian and inspectorate and the owner was charged with neglect and failure to render adequate veterinary treatment.

"Sadly the dog had to be put to sleep in order to release it from its suffering, we feel relieved that a strong message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated,” she said.

(Northglen News - November 26, 2016)