Boerboel breeder sentenced in South Africa
The dogs were crammed into tiny enclosures surrounded by electric fencing, many with inadequate shelter and little to no bedding
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS – Mossel Bay businessman and owner of Plaaswag Boerboele Lionel Marais, who was found guilty of animal cruelty charges in July last year, was sentenced on Friday 14 February.
Marais was handed down a fine of R50 000 or 12 months direct imprisonment, as well as a R20 000 fine or six months sentence suspended for three years.
After four postponements and more than three years, the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) says justice has finally been served.
Marais faced several charges for his violation of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 after the SPCA removed 68 boerboels in various stages of neglect from Plaaswag Boerboele in Hartenbos in May 2022.
“Seven of the dogs were in such pain and distress that they had to be euthanised immediately to end their suffering. Most of the dogs were emaciated and dehydrated, and all had been subjected to tail docking or maiming, whereby their tails had been removed – an extremely painful and illegal practice,” says GRSPCA senior inspector Cheri Cooke.
“The dogs were crammed into tiny enclosures surrounded by electric fencing, many with inadequate shelter and little to no bedding.”
Marais admitted that none of the dogs had received veterinary treatment for more than four months, despite suffering from injuries and illnesses such as open wounds, fractured teeth, hip and elbow dysplasia, ulcers, and external and internal parasite infestations.
According to Cooke, many of the illnesses were a result of inadequate nutrition, inbreeding and significant neglect.
In July 2024, Marais was found guilty of three counts of cruelty and abuse to animals, as per the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962. These included the unlawful and intentional withholding of water and food from the dogs, the maiming of all 68 dogs, and the failure to provide adequate veterinary treatment for all dogs.
“We welcome this significant victory for animal welfare” says Cooke. “We have no tolerance for those who exploit and abuse animals for profit. This case serves as yet another example of the total disregard many breeders have for the animals supposedly in their ‘care’ and illustrates how the SPCA is left to deal with the suffering and consequences of their lack of empathy and compassion.”
She says their team was left to pick up the pieces. “We treated their wounds, we spent time with them, and we tried to restore their faith in mankind.”
Marais’ sentence takes effect immediately, and he has been ordered to pay his fines directly to the GRSPCA.
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Boerboel breeder sentenced in South Africa
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