A donkey at the centre of a disturbing animal cruelty case in Mamre has been rescued following an investigation by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
Image: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
The case, which drew widespread public attention after videos circulated on social media, has now led to an arrest and further legal action.
According to the SPCA, the footage showed four adults riding a single donkey while one individual repeatedly whipped the animal in an attempt to force it to move faster. The donkey appeared to be struggling under the excessive weight and visible distress shown in the video sparked outrage online.
The investigation gained momentum after the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary assisted inspectors with information linked to a witness. Additional complaints later surfaced, alleging that the donkey had been subjected to ongoing abuse over a prolonged period.
Under the leadership of Inspector Yaaseen Abrahams, SPCA officials visited the property connected to the case. Inspectors were reportedly denied access to the premises, prompting the organisation to obtain a warrant from the Atlantis Magistrates’ Court under the Animals Protection Act.
When the warrant was executed, inspectors discovered that the donkey had allegedly been removed from the property. With support from Atlantis SAPS and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, authorities arrested the owner for allegedly concealing the animal from SPCA inspectors.
The donkey was later voluntarily handed over to the SPCA by the family of the accused. The organisation confirmed that its investigation into animal cruelty allegations is ongoing and that further charges may follow.
The SPCA also warned that hiding an animal from inspectors is considered a criminal offence under South African law and could result in a fine of up to R40,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
This is not the first animal cruelty case pursued by the organisation in recent years. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has secured several convictions linked to animal neglect and abuse across the Western Cape, reinforcing growing efforts to strengthen animal welfare enforcement in the region.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected animal cruelty to the SPCA’s 24-hour Inspectorate Control Room.
(Source: The Cape of Good Hope SPCA)
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