Boerboel Breeder convicted in landmark Tail Maiming & Neglect Prosecution in South Africa
Boerboel Breeder convicted in landmark Tail Maiming & Neglect Prosecution in South Africa
The owner of 68 severely neglected Boerboels, Mr Lionel Marais of Plaaswag Boerboels in the Western Cape, was found guilty as charged by the Mosselbay Magistrates’ Court on 10 July 2024. This landmark conviction reinforces the SPCA’s stance that maiming of dogs’ tails is unnecessary and unlawful in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (“the Act”), despite continued resistance from the South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS).
The Garden Route SPCA investigated an anonymous complaint on 24 May 2022, revealing that Mr Marais had been neglecting the animals since as early as January 2022. Despite his inability to adequately care for the animals, he continued to breed the malnourished dogs and sell the puppies to the public.
Many of the animals were suffering from conditions that required veterinary intervention, such as open wounds, parasite infestation, ulcers, cherry eye, and fractured teeth. One dog was so severely neglected that she could barely walk. Mr Marais’ unfeeling excuse was that “times are tough”.
Mr Marais was found guilty of unnecessarily starving or underfeeding the animals, denying them food and water, deliberately or negligently keeping them in dirty or parasitic conditions, allowing them to become infested with external parasites, and failing to render or procure veterinary assistance.
Of great importance is the conviction under section 2(1)(a) of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, for maiming the tails of the Boerboels in his care. This conviction sends a clear warning to Boerboel breeders and, indeed, breeders of all other dogs, that tail maiming is in contravention of the Act. Not even veterinarians may maim tails for cosmetic purposes.
Senior Inspector Cheri Cooke, who led the investigation and prosecution, remarked, “We will never forget what we faced that day when we removed those dogs. Besides their horrific physical condition, those animals had completely broken spirits. Justice has been served for the animals who suffered at the hands of Mr. Marais, and we thank the State Prosecutor, Ms. Zandile Guza, for her determination in this case.”
Sentencing for Lionel Marais is to take place on 16 August 2024.
The SPCA will continue to fight against any form of cruelty or neglect and will ensure that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
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