Shop charged with animal cruelty after sheep tied up, displayed as prize

12 June 2014 - 17:49 By Sapa
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A case has been opened at the Butterworth SAPS by the East London SPCA against role players in a cruel and inappropriate competition to win a live sheep. The animal was tied up and displayed as a prize in the Fuller Street TOPS SPAR in Butterworth in May 2014, said the NSPCA
A case has been opened at the Butterworth SAPS by the East London SPCA against role players in a cruel and inappropriate competition to win a live sheep. The animal was tied up and displayed as a prize in the Fuller Street TOPS SPAR in Butterworth in May 2014, said the NSPCA
Image: NSPCA

Animal cruelty charges have been laid against a Tops at Spar liquor shop in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, after a sheep was allegedly tied up and displayed as a prize.

"The photographs show a live sheep with its legs tied together on the floor of the [Tops at Spar] bottle store without freedom of movement or access to water," the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said on Thursday.

"A notice had been placed on the side of the animal stating that if customers purchase a bottle of two specific alcoholic drinks, they stand a chance of winning the animal," NSPCA inspector Andries Venter said in a statement.

The NSPCA had contacted Spar managers but were informed the matter was investigated and action was taken.

It was unclear what steps Spar had taken.

"The NSPCA... followed its mandate to investigate and take appropriate action in cases of abuse, neglect or cruelty to animals," said Venter.

"Criminal charges have been laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act and... the Performing Animals Protection Act as the animal was exhibited."

Spar's marketing manager could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

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