Animal cruelty added to one of the suspects involved in a child pornography case

WARNING: THIS BLOG CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

A charge of animal cruelty has been added to one of the suspects involved in a child pornography case.

40-year-old Corne van Rooyen from Kraaifontein was arrested on 18 January. He has since appeared at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on 22 January, and was charged with the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession, distribution and access of child pornography, as well as charges relating to the 
Animals Protection Act. Van Rooyen’s case returns to the court for a formal bail application on 30 January

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said various animals were found on van Rooyen’s property, that showed signs of neglect.

‘’The extent of the animal abuse connected to this case became apparent when the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was called to the scene by the SAPS (South African Police Service) where our Inspectors found nine snakes in a state of neglect, three of which were in poor physical condition. Also, on the property were 2 cats and 2 dogs, one of which exhibited signs of recent involvement in dog fighting,’’ said Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson.

PHOTO: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Abraham said research has found that animal cruelty is often associated with domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, bullying, juvenile delinquency, violence and other forms of criminality.

‘’Although often overlooked or dismissed as a standalone issue, intentional acts of animal cruelty can indicate a person’s capacity for violence and criminality on multiple fronts.’’

PHOTO: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse says “Criminal acts including dog-fighting or other violent and intentionally cruel acts against animals rarely occur in a vacuum. There are always likely to be links to a broader spectrum of unlawful activities”.

Pieterse said all the animals found on the suspect’s property have been removed, and are safely in the care of the SPCA and the animals in need of veterinary care are being treated.

‘’Charges of animal cruelty have been added to the existing dockets, and the SPCA will provide substantial evidence to support these charges. Affidavits from inspectors, photographic evidence, and a veterinarian’s report will all form part of the evidence that will be submitted to the State and our team will be standing by to provide expert testimony when the matter reaches the courts.’’

‘’It’s seldom understood how the work of the SPCA goes beyond advocating for the humane treatment of animals and becomes an investment in a safer, more compassionate society. Cases like this show just important it is to hold perpetrators of crimes against animals accountable for their actions. This plays an important role in breaking down cycles of abuse and contributes to safer communities for all,’’ said Jaco Pieterse, Cape of Good Hope inspector.

 

PHOTO: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Done By: Mitchum George