The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that two teenagers, ages 17 and 19, cut their Pitbull Terrier’s ears off with a pair of scissors because they wanted a vicious-looking dog.
According to Senior Inspector Mark Levendal, the one-year-old dog, Cooper, was brought to the Animal Welfare Society in Philippi on Saturday. Cooper had bloodstains around his head and ears, and it was visible that his ears were cut off.
The alleged offender was interviewed by Levendal who says, “he admitted that he cut off both ears with a large pair of scissors, whilst being assisted by his friend”. They didn’t use any anaesthetic during this procedure.
Picture: Facebook – Animal Welfare Society of SA
The AWS describes Cooper as “a kind and gentle soul and will always be, he will never be a vicious dog”.
“There are no words to describe the fear and pain Cooper experienced at the hands of his torturers and we have made it our mission to ensure that their crime does not go unpunished and that they never enjoy the privilege of ever owning another pet.”
They added, “The fact that he survived this horrific mutilation is a miracle,”
Levendal says both offenders submitted affidavits confirming everything. He formally opened a criminal case at the Mitchell’s Plain Police Station on Tuesday. He says, “I am of the opinion, that both alleged offenders were in direct contravention of the Animals Protection Act No. 71/1962 Sec. 2 (1), (a), (b), (q) & (r).”
“In addition, should they be found guilty, it is my request that the court further order that they be deprived of the ownership of any animal and thus be declared unfit to be in charge of any animal as per the Animals Protection Act 71/1962 Sec. 3 (1), (a), (c).”
On Wednesday an update was posted on the AWS’s Facebook page saying: “Cooper is doing extremely well at our hospital and getting lots of love and TLC from the staff and we appreciate all the support for him.”
