Cops face animal cruelty charge

2011-06-07

Bloemfontein - The Virginia SPCA in the Free State has laid a charge of animal cruelty against Ventersburg police after they allegedly dragged two injured cows to their offices, Beeld reported on Tuesday.

SPCA committee member Thea Smith told Beeld the cows were injured in an accident at about 22:00 on Sunday, but the SPCA was only called in the next day.

The cows, which had broken legs, were allegedly dragged to the police office and left overnight.

Smith said people had told of how they heard the cows "cry" the entire night.

The animals were immediately put down by the SPCA, Beeld reported.

Smith said one of the high ranking officers was upset because he wanted to braai the animals.

Initially Smith said she received opposition when she arrived at the police station, but she insisted on laying a charge of animal cruelty.

"The animals must have gone through indescribable pain and suffering. Visible drag marks were seen on the animals," Smith said.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cops-face-animal-cruelty-charge-20110607