Injured pony rescued after dramatic chase by SPCA officer in Mitchells Plain
Image: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
A routine day on the job turned into a high-speed pursuit through the streets of Mitchells Plain when an SPCA officer uncovered a disturbing case of animal cruelty and refused to back down.
While conducting wildlife collections in the area on Monday, Cape of Good Hope SPCA Wildlife Rescue Officer Stephen Benjamin encountered a cart being pulled by a pony, carrying three occupants and various pieces of vehicle scrap.
Concerned about the animal's condition, Benjamin stopped the cart to conduct a welfare inspection.
Spokesperson Belinda Abraham said from the outset, the occupants were uncooperative and obstructive.
"On closer inspection, Officer Benjamin discovered that the pony had severe wounds on his side, consistent with injuries caused by an ill-fitted harness and cart rubbing against the animal's skin.
"As Officer Benjamin began documenting the evidence, the three men suddenly jumped back onto the cart and attempted to flee, whipping the pony to force it forward.
"Officer Benjamin immediately contacted the SPCA Control Room for assistance. Without delay, the City of Cape Town's law enforcement and metro police were called for urgent assistance. Officer Benjamin followed the cart as it made its way through Westridge and into the Sweet Home informal settlement."
SPCA officer rescues an injured pony after a dramatic chase in Mitchells Plain.
Image: Supplied / SPCA
She explained that the metro police were the first to respond and attempted to intercept the fleeing suspects.
However, the suspects dangerously veered into oncoming traffic and fled off-road, evading the patrol vehicle.
"City law enforcement arrived shortly after, and one of the suspects was apprehended next to the road. The suspect was aggressive, threatened Officer Benjamin, and attempted to assault him by throwing rocks.
"Determined to rescue the injured pony, the team conducted a thorough search of the Sweet Home area.
"It was later discovered that the suspects had attempted to conceal the pony in a stable deep within the informal settlement to hide the animal from authorities. Despite their efforts to evade justice, the team successfully located the pony and immediately seized him. He was transported to the SPCA Horse Care Unit for veterinary treatment and safekeeping."
The arrested suspect was taken to Philippi SAPS and charged with obstruction and attempting to evade justice.
The remaining two suspects are still at large, but the SPCA is working with authorities to bring them to justice.
'The SPCA will not tolerate any abuse towards animals, and will not tolerate any person wanting to obstruct our Inspectors and wanting to evade justice,' said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
In terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, it is a criminal offence to put any animal to work while it is injured or physically unfit to perform any work.
It is also illegal to obstruct an SPCA Inspector or to conceal an animal under investigation.
Each of these offences carries a penalty of up to R40 000 or 12 months' imprisonment, and a criminal record.
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