George puppy breeder sentenced over horrific animal cruelty

A George Boerboel puppy breeder has been sentenced for animal cruelty after the SPCA discovered the horrific living conditions of 68 animals living on his property.

PUPPY BREEDER SENTENCED OVER ANIMAL CRUELTY

According to the South African national SPCA, Boerboel puppy breeder Lionel Marias was handed a hefty sentence after being found guilty of animal cruelty, as per the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962.

This month, the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court sentenced the man to a fine of R50,000 or twelve months in prison, with R20,000 or six months of the sentence suspended for three years, provided he does not re-offend within that period. 

In 2022, members of the George SPCA responded to a tipoff of the breeder accused of extreme neglect and cruelty.

The inspectors found 68 sick, malnourished, and dehydrated Boerboel puppies on the farm. The animal advocates had to immediately put down seven dogs suffering from pain and distress. 

According to the SPCA, the puppies had been subjected to “tail docking” or maiming, whereby their tails had been removed – an excruciating and illegal practice. The dogs were also crammed into tiny enclosures surrounded by electric fencing, many with inadequate shelter and little to no bedding.

The owner admitted that the animals had not received veterinary treatment in “months.”

Garden Route SPCA’s Senior Inspector Cheri Cooke said: “Our team was left to pick up the pieces… We treated their wounds, we spent time with them, and we tried to restore their faith in mankind”.

PUPPY BREEDER GUIDELINES IN SOUTH AFRICA

According to the South African Canine Breed Registry (SACBR), puppy breeders have to adhere to a strict code of ethics, particularly in health and safety.

This includes: 

• All dogs should be kept under clean and sanitary conditions. 
• A sufficient diet should be fed, and clean water should always be available. 
• Adequate kennels and exercise areas are required for the respective breed. This must include dry conditions and shelter against extreme heat and cold. 
• Health protection should be provided through regular inoculations, deworming, and proactive veterinarian examinations. 
• Constant human contact and exercise on a regular basis.

SPCA: WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT ANIMAL CRUELTY

Like the “King of Crocodiles,” or the social media influencer who force-fed a fish alcohol, or a group of students who tortured and killed a baboon named Raygun,  the George puppy breeder also had to face the long arm of the law.

According to the SPCA,  the Animals Protection Act of 1962  – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment.

Offenders could also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction.

DO YOU BELIEVE THE PUPPY BREEDER RECEIVED AN ADEQUATE SENTENCE?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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