NSPCA slams sentence handed to vet
THE NSPCA has criticized the sentence passed to veterinarian, Elfreda Alberts who was found guilty of charges relating to animal cruelty for the abuse of a vervet monkey.
In a statement, the NSPCA said that over eight years ago it had, under a warrant, found and confiscated a severely maimed and injured monkey in Alberts's bedroom.
“The female vervet monkey was observed to be dragging herself around on her remaining forearm as her other limbs had been amputated and she had a deep incision on her abdomen. The NSPCA ensured that the monkey was euthanazed by a veterinarian due to the extent of her injuries,” the organisation said.
The NSPCA immediately opened charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962.
Alberts was found guilty on all counts on March 4 and sentencing was handed down on November 25.
On count one, he was fined R5 000 or three months' imprisonment suspended for three years. On count two, fined R5 000 or three months' imprisonment suspended for three years and on count three fined R750 or 30 days' imprisonment suspended for three years.
“The NSPCA is deeply troubled by the sentence meted out to the vet. The heinous nature of the crime ought to have been reflected in the sentence to deter others,” the organisation said.
“The NSPCA brought this matter to the attention of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) who advised us that they would wait for the outcome of the case before taking action. The NSPCA expects the SAVC to finally/ urgently take action against Dr Alberts in light of this judgment.”
The NSPCA said the accused's defence handed in an application to have an acquittal of all charges heard in the Nigel Magistrates Court yesterday.
“The NSPCA feels that justice has not been served in this instance. This monkey was exposed to extreme suffering and abuse at the hands of Dr Alberts.
“Not once over the past eight years did the NSPCA give up on seeking justice, nor will we give up now despite the appeal. The NSPCA will continue pursuing this case on an ongoing basis until the very end.”
The NPA did not respond to questions.