Limpopo man faces prosecution for striking crocodile

In a recent viral video, the man could be seen striking the crocodile multiple times in the mouth while others are seen stoning the reptile.

This incident follows hot on heels after a viral video of a Tik Toker who was force-feeding an alcoholic beverage down the mouth of a common carp.

 READ: TikToker faces prosecution for force feeding alcohol to fish

NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock said the man added to the crocodile’s pain by hacking at the animal’s teeth while it was still alive.

"In fact, he seemed to enjoy torturing and essentially fatally injuring the crocodile. Following his behaviour, the man mocked the situation, branding himself as the ‘King of Crocodiles’ and even printing T-shirts of him teasing the crocodile. These images and videos have also been widely circulated on social media.

"While crocodiles can pose a threat to humans when out of water, they will generally avoid interactions with people. This animal posed no immediate threat to the man and did not deserve such torture. As of 2017, the Nile crocodile is listed as a vulnerable species on the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Red List. There is absolutely no reason to treat any animal in this way."

Peacock added that criminal charges will be opened against the man.

"However, this matter is more than a legal one - it is another incident highlighting the increasing popularity of online animal cruelty.  

"The NSPCA is concerned with the number of acts of cruelty against animals that are being filmed for entertainment and circulated on social media for the enjoyment of others. It is unimaginable that social media users can find animal torture and cruelty entertaining.

"Animals are sentient beings that experience positive and negative feelings like happiness, sadness, and pain. We implore all South Africans to treat all animals with the respect they deserve."

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