One of the greyhounds seized by the SPCA. Photo: SPCA

The case against a group of alleged wildlife poachers will be wrapped up soon. According to SPCA inspector manager Moyo Ndukwana the “State is now willing to accept a plea bargain.”

The men were arrested on 10 July when a member of the Melkbosstrand Community Police Forum, travelling along the R27 from Yzerfontein/Darling, noticed an old Isuzu twincab with a load of greyhounds. The member alerted the Melkbosstrand police who intercepted the bakkie on the M19. Inside the bakkie they found 11 greyhounds, a dead porcupine and a dead Cape Jackal.

The greyhounds were distressed.

The SPCA describes the scene in the bakkie. “The dogs, all Greyhounds, were panting excessively amidst the stench of urine and sweat. They were cramped and stressed and were displaying signs of heat exhaustion.

SPCA Inspector Clive Matthews and Collection Officer Bradley Grewer assisted Inspector Shaun Giles with the removal of the dogs and they were placed in SPCA vehicles where they were immediately given water to help them to cool down.

A Cape Jackal and porcupine were found with the greyhounds.

Two of the greyhounds were suffering from serious heat exhaustion and were monitored in a separate SPCA vehicle. Upon arrival at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, three of the greyhounds were admitted to hospital for treatment due to signs of physical injury. The other eight dogs were placed into our pound facility and given food and water.”

The case will resume on Friday 26 August in Atlantis magistrate’s court.