Swellendam Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
25/04/2025
KITTEN ABUSER CONVICTED IN SWELLENDAM MAGISTRATES COURT
An urgent call by a caring member of the public reporting a kitten who had been cruelly kicked prompted an immediate investigation which found poor MILO appearing to have a broken jaw as a result of the cowardly attack. MILO's only crime having been to try to fend for himself by scavenging for bones under a braai.
This is the 'offence' MILO committed and the now convicted Mr Corne Herandien found so egregious that warranted inflicting grievous bodily harm upon a tiny kitten at most a kilo in weight.
Aggravating the matter, the violence was perpetrated in the presence of minors.
The accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine of R1500 or 3 months imprisonment. The magistrate sternly admonished the accused reflecting on the gravity of the damage caused by venting his frustrations on a defenceless, innocent creature and to exposing minors to such a violent and cruel act. The court's disdain was reflected in the non-suspension of any part of the sentence despite it being a first offence and the accused will now have a criminal record for the next 10 years.
MILO underwent surgeries to wire his jaw under the expert care of Dr Marlia at Oakhurst Veterinary Clinic and healed well. MILO was adopted to a wonderful home where he will no know hardships, fear or pain again.
We thank the caring community member for reporting this heinous senseless crime, allowing our intervention to rescue the kitten as well as ensuring justice was served on his behalf and the perpetrator brought to book
