KAREEDOUW – An inspector from Humansdorp SPCA Assisi was assaulted while carrying out her duties during an investigation into alleged animal cruelty and neglect in Kareedouw, prompting the organisation to open a case of common assault.
The incident occurred after the SPCA received a complaint about animals being kept in poor conditions at a local premises.
According to SPCA inspector, Marisa Kruger, concerns included dogs being chained on very short chains, inadequate shelter, and limited access to clean water.
She also alleged that the owner admitted to using the dogs for hunting and that he killed animals that entered his property.
Kruger said that while she was attending to the complaint, the situation escalated unexpectedly despite her initially introducing herself and remaining calm.
After issuing a warning to the owner, she attempted to place the notice on the door when the situation turned violent.
The owner allegedly grabbed her by her shirt and pushed her forcefully in the chest.
“I do not have any injuries. My chest was a bit painful for two days, but that’s it,” said Kruger.
A field officer intervened to prevent further harm, while members of ARK Animal Rescue, an animal rescue organisation in Kareedouw, who were present at the scene, assisted immediately.
Police were informed, and the suspect fled the scene with the dogs.
Kruger said that a case of assault has since been opened at the Kareedouw Police Station.
She said that while the incident was unsettling, her focus remains on her work.
“The day it happened, I felt shaky and fragile, but I’m doing well. We are extremely busy attending to animal cruelty and neglect matters, so I don’t have time to focus on what happened,” said Kruger.
She added that such encounters are not uncommon for inspectors.
“We deal with hostility and threats very often, almost weekly. While I have not been previously assaulted in this manner, it does happen to inspectors with increasing frequency,” said Kruger.
She said that inspectors often operate in challenging environments, particularly in rural areas, but incidents are not limited to those regions.
Rather, they encounter hostility in other neighbourhoods as well, even in affluent areas.
“Some areas or houses we can’t enter alone, and we need law enforcement, security or police backup,” said Kruger.
Despite the risks, Kruger remains committed to her role.
“I am doing what I do for the animals, and I will stand strong for them no matter what. They don’t have voices, so I will remain determined to enforce the Animals Protection Act to help them,” said Kruger.
Further elaborating on the role of inspectors, she said that they act as law enforcement officers tasked with preventing animal cruelty and neglect, including investigating cases, conducting inspections, rescuing animals in distress, and laying criminal charges where necessary.
Kruger urged the public to show understanding towards SPCA staff.
“Be patient with all SPCA staff members. We see and handle the worst of animal cruelty and neglect matters daily, and we experience heartbreak daily,” said Kruger.
Police spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli confirmed that they are investigating a case of common assault, following an incident between an SPCA employee and a resident on 16 March in Kareedouw.
“It is alleged that at about 12:20, the SPCA official was responding to a complaint of animal cruelty at a house in New Rest, Kareedouw,” said Nkohli.
“It is said that the homeowner became aggressive and pushed the official.”
Nkohli said that the victim opened a case of common assault.
However, he said that no arrests have been made at this stage.
