Eleven men appeared in the magistrates’ courts in three different cases after they were arrested for illegally hunting animals.
Werner Botha, an inspector of the Bloemfontein SPCA, says people think that the art of bloodsport is a long and forgotten activity. “Hunting for pleasure and not for necessity seems to be a common pastime. The Bloemfontein SPCA has seen an increase in illegal hunting during May with three case dockets opened at the magistrates’ district courts of Soutpan, Marquard, and Excelsior.”
He explains that the men were charged with animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, and charges for offences contradicting the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinances 8 of 1969.
These charges are in connection with people who use dogs to hunt down prey.
“The weapons found in Marquard speak volumes to how cruel the methods of the hunters are. They use makeshift spears that would require tremendous force to kill, and would cause significant suffering before the life of the animal is taken.
“It saddens me that the carcasses of these animals were just left there and I could see that the poor springbuck suffered before meeting its cruel end.”
Botha says the weapons used by the hunters and the carcasses of springbuck, rabbits, and porcupines have been removed and are in the safe custody of the appropriate authorities.
