Deputy mayor in hot water over dog shooting
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against a deputy mayor and his bodyguards for the alleged inhumane shooting of four dogs.
Video footage emerged of Mthonjaneni deputy mayor, Philani Ntombela, allegedly encouraging a man to shoot a dog.
The incident took place in full view of children near Melmoth in KwaZulu-Natal.
The NSPCA's Meg Wilson says following an investigation it was found that four dogs were shot.
"One dog was shot multiple times, another dog escaped wounded and two puppies were shot. One of the puppies was in the hands of a 9-year-old boy and the shooter took the shot whilst still in the hands of the young boy."
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The suspects have defended their actions, saying the dogs attacked livestock in the area.
Provincial police spokesperson, Thulani Zwane, says they are only aware of three doing being shot.
He says five suspects are under investigation.
“A case of animal cruelty was opened at Melmoth police station for investigation.”