Cape Town man convicted for begging with puppies, cruelty, and assault sets a standard that will save dogs from the same fate in the future.
Western Cape, South Africa (03 October 2022) – A Cape Town man using dogs to solicit money has been found guilty by the Cape Town Magistrates Court of animal cruelty, obstruction, assault – and using animals to beg for money, which is a violation of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-law.
Earlier this year, Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors, with the assistance of City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, apprehended Selwyn Taylor, a ‘serial’ puppy seller who also uses these animals to solicit money from members of the public.
Taylor, in his 30s, had been arrested twice in the space of a week earlier this year.
He had become aggressive when the SPCA’s inspector tried to remove the puppy on one occasion and also assaulted Mayco Member for Urban Mobility Roberto Quintas, who had attempted to help the inspector.
Exploiting animals – and people’s kindness
Following his recent court appearance, Taylor was sentenced to a fine of R1,000 or 30 days’ imprisonment with a further three-year suspended sentence of a fine of R2,000 or 60 days’ imprisonment.
“After receiving many complaints from members of the public, we warned Taylor several times to stop and also confiscated the animals he was trying to sell, but he continued regardless,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
“We hope this conviction sends a strong message to those who exploit animals – and people’s kindness – and deters them from using pets to solicit donations from concerned Capetonians.
“We also urge members of the public not to give money to beggars using animals. It’s the worst thing to do. Rather call the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and we’ll take the animal into safekeeping.”
We believe this ruling is a good thing and will not only deter future people from exploiting animals to try to solicit money from South Africans but will ultimately save future puppies that are being used in this act of cruelty.
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Report any act of animal cruelty
Cruelty reports can be made in strict confidence by emailing inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za or telephonically by calling 021 700 4158/9 during office hours. You can also report cruelty online via our website at https://capespca.co.za/report-cruelty/ or by calling the after-hour number 083 326 1604.
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