Joseph Driman.
Image: Yoshini Perumal
Animal rights activists are outraged after a Chatsworth father was granted bail on charges of bestiality, following his arrest for allegedly assaulting a neighbour’s dog.
Joseph Driman, 58, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
During his previous appearance, the court ordered that he undergo a mental evaluation to determine if he was fit to stand trial.
On Monday, the court heard that Driman was examined by a district surgeon and was fit to stand trial.
He was released on R500 bail.
Animal rights activists, who called for Driman to be kept in police custody and not be released on bail after he was caught performing sexual acts on his neighbour’s dog, said they were outraged that he was granted bail.
Driman was arrested last Wednesday after neighbours spotted him sexually assaulting the dog in Welbedacht West and reported him to police.
Pat Naidoo, an animal rights activist in Chatsworth, said they were horrified with the allegations.
She said there was an increase in animal abuse in the area, where cases ranged from cruelty, abandonment, neglect and bestiality.
Due to this, she said they were hoping that the court sets an example and denied bail.
“We are disappointed that the man was released on bail, and we are concerned about the safety of the other animals.
“The owner of the dog was giving her dogs away and the accused had gone to fetch the dog when he was caught sexually assaulting it.
“We want to send out a warning to pet owners. If they do not want their pets, they should contact animal rescue shelters or the SPCA for the pet to be rehomed.
“Giving pets away to unknown people leads to the pets' safety being compromised,” she added.
Naidoo said while animal shelters are bursting at its seams, the SPCA was the safest place to rehome pets should owners become unable to care for them.
Barbara Patrick, manager at Kloof and Highway SPCA, said: “We are grateful to the member of the public who reported this heinous case to the police.
“We will be in court for each appearance on behalf of Black, to give her a voice against this unacceptable crime. We are devastated that any person would ever perform bestiality on an animal,” Patrick said.
The case was postponed to next month for further investigations.