SPCA to inspect SANDF horses
2012-12-18 22:01
Johannesburg - The South Gauteng High Court in
Johannesburg ruled on Tuesday that the SPCA be granted access to a SA National
Defence Force (SANDF) base in Potchefstroom, the SPCA said.
This was done to enable the SPCA to inspect the condition
of horses kept there, the society said in a statement.
The court order allowed the SPCA to confiscate evidence
for the purpose of prosecution, and if necessary seize the horses to prevent
cruelty or suffering pending the return date.
No horses may be removed from the SANDF base until either
the SPCA or the court decide otherwise.
The SPCA said the ruling, with the SANDF also ordered to
pay costs, was groundbreaking.
"A precedent has been set. No individual,
organisation or operation including any government facility is above the
law," the society said.
"There are welfare concerns. The animals need
attention. Work is required to rectify matters. Personnel at the base need to
be educated on animal welfare."
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini declined to comment.
- SAPA
