|
Disabled man accused of abuse
21/08/2007 09:33 - (SA)
|
|
|
 |
|
| Philip Kotze sits with his dog Magriet. (Jackie Kruger, Die Burger) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jackie Kruger, Die Burger
George - A well-known disabled person had a decibel test performed after residents complained about the loud music he was playing in close proximity to his dog.
Philip Kotzé and his dog were shown the door during former president PW Botha's funeral last year.
Kotzé, who suffered brain damage during an assault in Krugersdorp in 1991, has been accused of abusing his beloved dog.
According to numerous letters to a local newspaper, residents were angry about Kotzé playing loud music while Magriet, his dog, was travelling with him in his modified bicycle. Kotzé was allegedly also seen kicking his dog.
'My animals are unique'
Residents were also angry because he allowed Magriet to lie on a blanket in front of shopping centres "for hours" while he was drinking coffee.
Kotzé rejected the allegations, saying they were lies.
"My life revolves around my dog. As a result of the brain damage I'm unsteady and Magriet is also my guide dog." Magriet was trained as a guide dog.
"That's why she accompanies me almost everywhere - even to church. I have never kicked my animals.
"I also don't want to leave my dog at home. While my previous dog, Magrietjie, was alone at home somebody shot her with a pellet gun. She had to receive stitches," said Kotzé.
He said many people looked down on the disabled.
"There are people who want to push me down, despite having another chance in life," he added.
He said he had done a decibel test to determine how loud he could play his music without damaging Magriet's hearing.
He also denied that he used his animals to collect money.
"People give me money to help me. Sometimes they put money on Magriet's blanket. Magriet and Blondie, the cockatoo, never spend more than an hour at a shopping centre.
"I love my animals. They are unique. Where else have you ever seen a bird riding on a dog's head?"
A children's book was written about Kotzé, his dog and his bird.
According to Kotzé, who survives on a state pension, sponsorships and a bit of savings, he is doing the Lord's work. "My injuries don't allow me to do other work."
He claimed his rights as a disabled person after complaints that he congested traffic while travelling the streets of George on his modified bicycle. "I have the same rights as other road users."
The traffic department said it would comment later.
Winnie Swanepoel, manager and senior inspector at Garden Route Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said residents should immediately respond by calling the SPCA when they witness animal abuse.
"There is always somebody on duty to answer calls to 044 878 1990," she said.
- Die Burger
|
