A pregnant cow that was shot dead in Phoenix.
Image: Reaction Unit South Africa
ANIMAL rights activists have heightened their calls for swift action to find the person responsible for shooting and killing a pregnant cow in Phoenix.
Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), said its Phoenix Operations Center received multiple calls related to a cow that had been shot on Sunday evening.
“Reaction officers were dispatched to Kiddsbrook Road in Brookdale where a cow was found dead. Residents in the area reported that a man was seen driving around in the area and appeared intoxicated.
“He stopped beside the cow, drew a firearm and shot the animal dead. Reaction officers are attempting to identify the suspect,” he said.
Meanwhile, “Nunu”, a 22-year-old pig, was attacked by a group of men on May 9.
In the video footage shared on social media platforms, the group of men can be seen striking the approximately 560-kg pig, with belts and repeatedly kicking him.
However, after being treated for his injuries - he was found lying on the road with a gunshot wound a few days later.
He is now being kept at an animal sanctuary until he recovers.
Shabnam Baran, founder of Stray Paws Animal Rescue and Welfare, said they were “absolutely devastated and appalled” by the sickening act of cruelty that took place in Phoenix.
“To target a completely defenceless, pregnant animal is not just a horrific act of animal abuse, it is a display of depravity that threatens the safety of our entire community. This was a senseless, cowardly act of violence against a mother and her unborn calf.
“Furthermore, animal cruelty is a proven indicator of deeper societal issues, and a person who displays such blatant disregard for life poses a danger to everyone.
“We urge the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local authorities to treat this with the utmost urgency. We cannot allow individuals with firearms to act with such violent impunity in our neighbourhoods,” she said.
The organisation recently held a march aimed at placing a spotlight on the rising incidents of animal abuse in the Phoenix area.
“We also wanted to send a united, clear message that cruelty will no longer be tolerated in silence. Many are unaware that animals in South Africa are legally protected, and abusers can face severe consequences.
“The Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1963 explicitly states that any person who cruelly beats, kicks, ill-treats, overloads, tortures, or abandons an animal is guilty of a criminal offense,” she said.
Kerry Janke, a director of Safe, an animal rescue non-profit company and public benefit organisation, said it was a “horrific” incident.
“I was told that the individual was under the influence of alcohol and that he not only fired at the cow, but allegedly at others who were shouting at him. It is reckless and totally unacceptable behaviour.
“I think people like this - who are prepared to kill and injure innocent animals for absolutely no reason - are dangerous. They have no value or respect for life. A person like this should never have had a firearm. He is not stable and should be locked up. I hope he will be sent to jail for a long time,” she said.
Bronwyn Ablett, general manager of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League - Durban and Pietermaritzburg branch, said cruelty to animals, no matter the size or situation, is deplorable.
“This is not at all acceptable. A case of cruelty should be opened at the local police station and steps should be taken to see if the person who allegedly did this is a registered gun owner. If they are, then their licence should be suspended. If not, a criminal case should be opened to find out where the gun originated and how this person possessed it. There should be consequences. We also encourage members of the public to report animal cruelty.”
Caroline Smith, general manager at the Durban & Coast SPCA, said: “The SAPS was on the scene when our inspector arrived, and the cow was deceased. The SAPS is investigating this case, and our inspector is communicating with the investigating officer. There are allegations of what transpired, but until witness affidavits are secured, we are unable to provide factual information.”