Durban - A woman who took in 26 stray, sick and abused dogs, but then neglected them, has pleaded guilty.
In a written plea submitted to the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, Dianne Ritchie Ingram, 40, said she had taken in the dogs, including dachshunds, fox terriers and Labradors, in an effort to rescue and rehabilitate them.
Earlier this year, Ingram pleaded guilty to a similar offence involving other animals.
“Most of the animals were taken off the streets, or people would call me to take away their unwanted pets. I received no monetary gain from taking in the animals, and in fact spent a substantial amount of money on food and veterinarian visits for the animals,” her latest plea read.
She admitted she had taken on more animals than she could accommodate, and also admitted to not being able to afford to take care of all of them.
She further admitted she was responsible for their welfare, and negligently failed to provide the required care.
“I was well aware that the animals were in poor condition. I’m truly remorseful,” the plea continued.
On Thursday Durban prosecutor Pranisha Kasool told the court that the State had rejected a plea bargain proposal.
Ingram still decided to plead guilty.
The Durban and Coast SPCA had laid charges against Ingram after finding the animals on a property she had been renting in Bellair in 2013.
The story had appeared on TV programme Carte Blanche at the time.
Sentencing was adjourned until next month.
In March, Ingram pleaded guilty in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court to similar animal cruelty charges.
She had taken in about 28 stray, sick and abused animals, which the Kloof and Highway SPCA inspectors had confiscated from her home in Escombe, Queensburgh, on November 5 last year.
The animals included 17 dogs, four cats, two pigs, two rats, two snakes and one mouse, which were removed from the house after some were found living in unhygienic and shocking conditions.
The inside of the house, including furniture, had animal faeces all over it.
Some of the dogs were found to have hookworms, roundworms and had severe skin infections, the SPCA said.
Ingram was fined R21 000, half of which was suspended for three years. The money was to be paid in monthly instalments of R1 000.
She was also ordered to pay the Kloof and Highway SPCA about R10 000 for costs incurred, and was also deemed unfit to be in possession of or in charge of animals for 10 years.
Her ex-boyfriend, John Slabbert, 34, was also charged and his case is currently pending.
Daily News