CPF chairperson Kevin Husk, Chief Johan du Toit (Overstrand Law Enforcement), Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie, SAWS member Wendy Hanson and Ward Councillor Dudley Coetzee with the animal-rights petition.Photo: Nelly Roodt
Two youth members of the Stanford Neighbourhood Watch on patrol on a dark night recently came across a chilling sight.
A small, much-loved dog called Princess was found hanging from a tree near Wortelgat Road. Stanford Animal Welfare Society (SAWS), showing its mettle, immediately offered a reward for clues pointing to the suspect(s).
News of the heinous crime and the reward spread like wildfire on social media. Villagers reeled with shock. Unfortunately, to date, nobody has come forward with any evidence but the reward still stands.
Princess’ hanging has highlighted the plight of animals suffering abuse. Reports indicate that there has been an increase in the abuse of animal rights in the past few months. More than five dogs have reportedly been stabbed. One dog was chopped with a panga.
SAWS has stepped up to fight for the rights of animals. It joined forces with the Stanford Community Policing Forum (CPF) to draw up a petition calling on the authorities to act against animal cruelty and to take decisive action against those responsible. More than 400 residents signed the petition.
The petition was handed to Overstrand Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie at the SAWS shop last week.
On receiving the petition she expressed concern over the fact that the authorities failed to give animal rights the attention it deserved, a problem that needs addressing.
The Mayor will personally hand the petition over to SAPS Overberg District Commander Maj-Gen MM Mochologi.