Kimberley -
Several dogs and cats, that have disappeared in Kimberley recently, particularly in Cassandra and De Beers, could have ended up as food after a homeless man was found skinning a dog on Tuesday.
Police found the homeless man in the veld adjacent to Hull Street in De Beers. He was busy skinning the dead dog with a Stanley Blade.
Police contacted Mario van der Westhuizen from the SPCA, who immediately intervened.
Police at the scene said that the man, reportedly from QwaQwa, had indicated that he regularly slaughtered, skinned and ate not only dogs but also cats that he found in the area.
The dog’s throat had been cut and the carcass had been almost completely skinned by the time the police arrived.
Van der Westhuizen said that the man was obviously disturbed and in need of psychiatric help.
“Although the eating of dogs and cats might indicate the desperate situation the man was facing, I am concerned about what he might do next if released. If he is not of stable mind, a human might be next on his list,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Police took the man to the Kimberley Police Station and Van der Westhuizen indicated that he would be laying charges of animal abuse, but added that he hoped that the court would recommend psychiatric observation.
Van der Westhuizen said that numerous pets, regularly reported missing by owners from Cassandra and De Beers, could possibly have been killed and eaten by the man.
He added that the dog was a well looked after male cross-breed that was in good condition and probably not a stray.
Police spokesman, Donald Mdhluli, confirmed that a case of cruelty to animals had been opened against the 21-year-old suspect following his arrest on Tuesday morning.
Mdhluli said that police officers were doing normal patrolling duties when a member of the public approached them about something suspicious happening in the veld. Upon investigation they found the man busy “skinning” a dog.
“SPCA officials were called in and the 21-year-old suspect, believed to be a homeless man, was arrested. He is facing charges of cruelty to animals,” Mdhluli said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Diamond Fields Advertiser