The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has laid charges of assault against attackers who had stoned a collection officer when they attempted to save animals from brutal attacks in Delft. When the SPCA collected the ill animal, the son of the owner along with three of his friends, allegedly stoned the collection officer.

“While he put the dog in the van they began stoning him and they wouldn’t stop stoning him,” said SPCA spokesperson Wanita Davids.

Although the collection officer did not sustain severe injuries, he is recovering from a few bruises from the blows he experienced during the attack.

“The stoning has left his body bruised but he’s fine. He is at work and no serious damage. The right window and mirror has been smashed,” said Davids.

The incident occurred when a complaint was laid by a Delft resident that a dog had been extremely ill. The SPCA personnel had collected the dog and had agreed with the owner that the dog put down under euthanasia.

“We had called the owner and he said that we could put the dog under euthanasia and we agreed to do so humanely,” said Davids.

The SPCA had recommended euthanasia when it had discovered that the dog was in extremely bad health. It had visited the home of the owner and had witnessed the severity of the ill animal that had not been mobile.

“We only suggested the dog be put down because he was so ill and he could barely stand,” Davids explained.

Another incident occurred when an unidentified group of men stripped the SPCA van in Mitchells Plain of all its equipment and products and trashed the vehicle.

“He went to fetch an animal and when he came back everything was taken out of the van and the window was smashed,” says Davids.

The SPCA stressed that both incidents were unprovoked incidences of crime and that its number one priority is to ensure the safety of its staff.

“We are here to make sure our staff is protected while protecting and caring for animals,” said Davids.

It appealed to the community to assist in ensuring the safety of its staff while they work to protect animals. VOC