COPS AFTER SOMHLOLO STRAY DOG TORMENTORS

The dog trying to break free from its tormentors by biting one of them.

MBABANE – As if adhering to the adage ‘every dog has its day’, police are pursuing the group of men who allegedly tortured the dog that ran into the field at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday.

The men, who are now suspects, are wanted by the police to answer on allegations of animal cruelty. The police, it has been established, have since launched a massive investigation and are speaking to witnesses regarding the identities of the men; who were captured violently removing the dog from the pitch. It was gathered yesterday that the police took clippings of the newspaper, which showed the men grabbing the dog, and are using it to solicit information regarding their identities to effect possible arrests on charges of animal cruelty.

The dog strayed into the pitch during the SwaziBank quarter-finals between Mbabane Highlanders and Tambuti FC when the game was at half-time.
It could not established what pushed the men to violently remove the dog from the pitch as it was a half-time break.
According to eyewitnesses, while the group of men removed the dog from the pitch, onlookers encouraged them with whistles. However, their act has irked stakeholders concerned with animal welfare.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Khulani Mamba said following the publication of portraying what could be termed as ‘animal cruelty’, the perpetrators will face the wrath of the law. The pictures showed the group of men strangling, kicking and wrestling with the stray dog.

According to Mamba, the men violated Section 43 of the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1962, which states that anyone who intentionally causes unnecessary harm, pain and or injury to an animal is guilty of cruelty to animals.
Mamba said the men who abused the dog will face the wrath of the law as they were now on the police wanted list.

The police mouthpiece said the men could also do themselves a favour by surrendering to Lobamba police. To help in the police investigation, Mamba urged the owner of the dog to come forward as well.

“The act of the men was barbaric and the law will take its course. Animals have rights just like anyone else. I urge the suspects to hand themselves over to the police,” he said. Mamba added that anyone found guilty of violating the aforementioned  law should face imprisonment not exceeding six months with an option of a E200 fine.

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