Dippenaar had actually captured the 2 snakes, and in addition to keeping them in conditions that jeopardized their wellness, he had actually selected to abuse the animals in a harsh effort to get the snakes to combat each other.Photo: Virginia SPCA
Horrifying video footage on Facebook of a caused battle in between a rinkals and a puffadder, has actually caused a Bultfontein man being sentenced to a criminal conviction of R4 000 or 9 months in prison.
For Johan Dippenaar (47) from Bultfontein his abusing 2 snakes and a rat did not rend extremely well for him.
“This is indeed a victory for the most underrepresented and persecuted creatures of them all. In March 2022, Virginia SPCA received video material, that was circulating on social media, depicting Dippenaar’s abusive actions,” says Thea Smith of the Virginia SPCA.
She says Dippenaar had actually captured the 2 snakes, and in addition to keeping them in conditions that jeopardized their wellness, he had actually selected to abuse the animals in a harsh effort to get the snakes to combat each other, the reward was a rat likewise captured and cooped.
Inspector Ernest Khakhau of the Virginia SPCA, referred to as the champ for animal rights, instantly did something about it.
He charged Dippenaar under the Animal Protection Act, and trial procedures covered over 9 months.
Dippenaar was condemned on 7 June and was sentenced in the Bultfontein Court.
Before sentencing, respectable magistrate Marlize Coetzee worried that animal cruelty and abuse are severe criminal activities and need to be acted upon.
“During trial, Dippenaar claimed to be a snake catcher who ‘rescued’ snakes in Bultfontein and the surrounding areas.
However, State Advocate Antoinette Ferreira and the testimonies of Inspector Khakhau, Johannesburg Wildlife Hospital herpetologist, Grant Fairley and DESTEA Inspector André Schlemmer proved that Dippenaar was not only not in possession of a permit nor was he qualified, but that he tortured the animals purely for his own entertainment and to gain following on social media,” says Smit.
Coetzee worried that when individuals call a snake rescuer, they anticipate that individual to be certified and allowed and to take care of and launch the snake.
In addition to Dippenaar’s penalty, she forbade him from remaining in ownership of any snakes.
“This is a reminder to everyone that all animals matter.”
Smit says the Virginia SPCA is really grateful for the support of State Prosecutor, Advocate Antoinette Ferreira, Prosecutor Hanlie Liebenberg, the Bultfontein Court, SAPS Bultfontein, Grant Fairley, Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, Wendy Wilson and André Schlemmer from DESTEA. Collaborated actions achieve success actions. Well done, Insp. Ernest Khakau.”
