Warning: This statement includes a graphic description of mutilations and fatal injuries

Update November 9, 2017: Local authorities have added Animals Protection Act charges to the case. An NSPCA quote has been included on this release.

CAPE TOWN—Humane Society International is offering a reward of up to R10,000.00 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in an act of stock theft, animal abuse and mutilation of sheep on the farm “Lust”, in Harrismith, Orange Free State.

The Case: Local authorities believe the perpetrator/s committed the act on or around 1 November 2017 on the Farm “Lust”, in the Harrismith region in the Orange Free State. The farm owner’s neighbour discovered the carcasses of a number of slaughtered sheep in the early hours. The perpetrators also cut the front legs off five sheep, who were discovered alive and which were later euthanised. In total, the perpetrators stole 11 sheep, left behind four carcasses, and mutilated five sheep.

Help stop animal abuse.

Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the public. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

Audrey Delsink, HSI/Africa executive director, said: “We ask people with any kind of information about this case to please come forward. We cannot tolerate any acts of cruelty, especially these heinous and horrific acts; they must not go unpunished. It is important to catch the individual or individuals responsible for this crime before this behaviour escalates to more crimes involving animals and people.”

Grace de Lange, Farm Animal Protection Unit manager for the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), said: “The NSPCA is horrified at the mistreatment and cruelty inflicted upon the sheep.”

People with information on the case should contact Mr Stoffel van der Merwe of Nambiti Forensic Investigation Services on (+27)783269689) and the NSPCA’s Manager of the Farm Animal Protection Unit, Ms Grace de Lange at (+27)119073590/1/2/3.

ENDS

Media contact: Raúl Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1-301-721-6440