ATHLONE
41 Induland Cres. Lansdowne Ind. Since 1998
Supplier of a wide range of disposable packaging • All types of Paper, Plastic bags • Cake, Pizza, Party boxes • Serviettes, Garage, Toilet rolls • Cling, Bubble, Lunch wrap • Cutlery, Straws, Heatsealers
• Cups, Tubs, Lids • Fomo Trays, Plates • Foil Trays, Rolls • Platters, Domes • Detergents, etc
Tel: 021 691 8811 • Cell: 081 513 3152 E-mail: info@carlierpackaging.co.za
Free delivery
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TUESDAY 11 August 2020 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za
@ThePeoplesPost
People’s Post
Red for industry obstacles
Several buildings in Cape Town and around the country were lit up in red on Wednesday 5 August. This formed part of the #lightSAred campaign to highlight the challenges facing live events, music and performing arts sectors. The aim is for government to extend financial relief to those affected. Stakeholders in the events industry have been unable to work since the blanket ban on all events implemented in South Africa on Sunday 15 March. Similar initiatives have taken place across the world. Table Mountain was also illuminated in red. PHOTO: LIGHTSARED
ATHLONE
GBV a threat to animals SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121
A
s one pet owner recently discovered, the life of your dog could also be in danger if you are the target of gender-based violence (GBV). After leaving her abusive partner, an Athlone woman suffered two blows when her partner returned to her home, first to set it alight and then to attack her dog, Sametime. According to a statement by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the woman had gone to report the arson at the local police station. On her return, she found that the man was waiting for her. He demanded she hand over the family dog and when she refused, he restrained Sametime and stabbed him. The matter was reported to the SPCA and inspector Jeffery Mfini responded to the call. He found Sametime lying on a blanket on the ground, bleeding profusely from a very deep wound to his neck. Time was of the es-
EL ED RE
sence and so Mfini rushed Sametime to the closest private veterinary practice. Mfini, assisted by Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse in the investigation, laid criminal charges against the 44-year-old man under the Animals’ Protection Act. According to the act, any person who, among others, harms, underfeeds, starves, traps, chains or kills an animal can be charged. This includes poisoning, deliberate neglect, abandonment by pet owners and grooming for dogfighting. The act recommends a fine or direct imprisonment of six months. This can, however, be overruled by a magistrate, judge or minister based on the merits of each case. Unfortunately, Sametime passed away a few days later as a result of his injuries. “Animal rescue can be heart-breaking work and so it is with broken hearts that we report that Sametime, who was viciously stabbed by his owner’s intimate partner last week Friday, has succumbed to his injuries. It is our greatest wish that we never have to see a dog so gravely injured by human hands ever again. RIP Sametime Boy, we
promise you that we will speak loudly for you in court and do everything within our power to get justice for you,” reads a social media statement on Wednesday 22 July. The suspect appeared in court on Monday 27 July for his bail application. His bail was denied and remains in custody at Pollsmoor until his next court appearance on Tuesday 22 September. According to SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham, incidents like these are not uncommon. “Often an intimate partner will use animal maltreatment as a coercive tactic when their partner has a valued bond with an animal or an emotional attachment that can be exploited. It is for this reason that intimate partner and gender-based violence present very real threats to any animals within the household too,” she says. “His owner was inconsolable and we were heartbroken too,” says Abraham. “We will be Sametime’s voice at each court appearance and do our best to ensure that this man never gets the opportunity to hurt another animal ever again.”
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Abraham says they often suspect the origins of an animal’s injuries to be resulting from intimate partner violence but it is near impossible to prove unless someone speaks out. “It is however always relevant to say that where there is human suffering, there will be animal suffering. We are certain of the suffering of both families and their pets in every home shattered by domestic violence,” says Abraham. The SPCA says anyone filing for a protection order should include the fact that witnessing cruelty to your pet causes you emotional/psychological suffering and distress. This will then qualify these acts as domestic violence in terms of the domestic violence act and afford your pet some level of protection. Also have bedding, toys, medication and food supplies for your pet, should you be taking them with you or if your partner withholds money. Proving ownership trough microchips, adoption documents or other documents is also important. V Report cruelty to animals by calling 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 (after hours).
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