Sign the Petition
Target: Advocate Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions, South Africa
Goal: Secure the harshest available sentence, lifetime pet-ownership ban, and full restitution against the influencer reportedly found with a tick-infested, emaciated dog.
A viral video apparently showed social-media personality Sasha Tshiamo dancing while her dog Bobby sat in the background—skeletal, fly-struck, and crawling with ticks and fleas. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Bobby was so starved she had resorted to eating pieces of plastic to survive. Investigators allegedly discovered the dog living in filth; after the clip circulated, Tshiamo reportedly mocked SPCA efforts before charges were ultimately filed under the Animal Protection Act.
SPCA officers have reportedly documented multiple welfare violations: malnutrition, untreated parasitic infestations, and overall neglect. Bobby has since been sterilized and is recuperating, but her recovery underscores the prolonged suffering she apparently endured. The case has horrified South Africans and reignited concern over ineffective deterrents for online notoriety-driven abuse.
South Africa’s courts can impose fines, imprisonment of up to two years, and prohibitions on owning animals for those convicted of aggravated cruelty. A robust prosecution and meaningful sentencing in this matter would demonstrate that exploiting animals for clicks carries real, serious consequences—and would help prevent future incidents of online abuse.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Advocate Batohi,
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recently rescued a dog named Bobby after a widely shared video reportedly depicted her extreme emaciation and infestation while her owner, social-media influencer Sasha Tshiamo, filmed content nearby. SPCA officials state that Bobby was so malnourished she had begun ingesting plastic and was riddled with ticks and fly strike. These allegations—if proven—constitute severe violations of the Animal Protection Act and illustrate deliberate neglect for online attention.
South Africans were further alarmed by reports that Tshiamo mocked investigators even as charges loomed. Such apparent disregard suggests a risk of repeated cruelty unless decisive legal action is taken. South Africa’s anti-cruelty statutes allow for significant custodial sentences, lifetime bans on animal ownership, and orders for restitution covering veterinary and shelter costs.
We respectfully urge the National Prosecuting Authority to pursue the maximum penalties permitted, including a permanent prohibition on keeping animals and reimbursement of every rand spent on Bobby’s care. A strong sentence will affirm that animals are sentient beings—not props for social media—and will deter would-be abusers who seek fame through suffering.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: japanexperterna.se
