Joseph Driman, 58, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court last week.
Image: File
Animal rights activists are calling for residents to join a protest against the bail of a Chatsworth man charged with bestiality after he was allegedly caught performing sexual acts on a dog.
Joseph Driman, 58, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court last week.
Driman was arrested last Wednesday after neighbours allegedly spotted him sexually assaulting the dog in Welbedacht West and reported him to the police.
Prosecutor Sumeshni Naidoo told the court that the State was opposed to bail due to the nature of the charges.
Driman is expected to appear in court next on Friday for a formal bail application.
Pat Naidoo, an animal rights activist in Chatsworth, said they were horrified by the allegations.
She said there was an increase in animal abuse in the area, where cases ranged from cruelty, abandonment, neglect and bestiality.
“Animal abuse is escalating. We see horrific cases of cruelty, abandonment, and neglect daily. A crime is a crime irrespective if the victim is a human or an animal.
“We beg that the courts take this into consideration as animals are sentient beings. We applaud the investigating officer and the State for opposing bail, and we will attend the court hearing tomorrow to also call for bail to be denied,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo said while cases of abuse are escalating, there was often a lack of evidence to prosecute.
“We urge residents to report cases so that police can investigate. An animal has no voice. Therefore, it is our duty to report animal abuse. Residents should also try to gather evidence, such as photographs or videos, to help the police bring cases to court with proper documentation.
“Residents and animal lovers can join us in court tomorrow to show our support for abused animals,” said Naidoo.