A 43-year-old man was arrested and charged after allegedly shooting a pregnant cow in Phoenix last month.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said the man was arrested for contravention of the Animals Protection Act and appeared in Phoenix Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The case was adjourned until August.
At the time, Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South Africa, said its operations center in Phoenix received multiple calls related to a cow that had been shot May 31.
He said reaction officers were dispatched to Kiddsbrook Road in Brookdale where a cow was found dead.
“Residents in the area reported that a man was seen driving around and appeared intoxicated. He stopped beside the cow, drew a firearm and shot the animal dead.”
Shabnam Baran, founder of Stray Paws Animal Rescue and Welfare, said they were relieved to learn that an arrest had been made in connection with the “horrific act of violence”.
“This was an act of profound cruelty. While we are encouraged that justice is now being pursued, we must reiterate that violence against defenseless animals is a reflection of a deeper societal concern. We urge the judicial system to treat this case with the gravity it deserves to ensure that such acts are met with appropriate consequences,” she said.
Baran said the organisation remained committed to protecting the voiceless and advocating for the humane treatment of all animals.
“We thank the members of the public who came forward with information. We will continue to monitor the progress of this case closely, standing in solidarity with those who believe that compassion and justice must extend to all living beings.”
