Target: Azrial Scheepers, Executive Mayor, Cederberg Local Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa
Goal: Take immediate action to address reports of animals being stoned, starved, and abandoned, including a stray dog stoned to death.
A deeply disturbing situation has emerged in a rural community where volunteers say they are facing overwhelming cases of animal neglect and abuse. According to reports from local animal welfare volunteers, a stray dog known as Viskop was stoned to death by children in an informal settlement. The dog, which volunteers cared for and regularly fed, was allegedly attacked with stones until it died, leaving rescuers devastated by what they discovered.
Animal welfare volunteers say the incident is only one example among many troubling cases they are encountering. Reports indicate that some animals in the area have been stoned, starved, or left suffering from severe illnesses such as tick-bite fever, mange, and parvovirus. Volunteers also reportedly learned of a litter of puppies that had been dumped in a rubbish bin along a main road.
Volunteers say they are struggling to continue their work amid increasing reports of cruelty and neglect. Without adequate support or resources, rescuers fear that vulnerable animals will continue to suffer. Urgent action is necessary to prevent further alleged cruelty and to ensure that animal protection laws are properly enforced.
PETITION LETTER:
Mayor Scheepers,
We write to express grave concern regarding animal abuse and neglect occurring in your municipality. According to reports from animal welfare volunteers, a stray dog known as Viskop was stoned to death by children in an informal settlement, an incident that left rescuers deeply shaken.
Volunteers also report encountering animals that were stoned or starved, as well as animals suffering from severe illnesses including tick-bite fever, mange, and parvovirus. In another troubling report, a litter of puppies was allegedly discovered dumped in a rubbish bin along a main road.
We respectfully urge your office to take immediate steps to investigate these reports, strengthen enforcement of animal protection laws, and provide meaningful support for local animal welfare efforts. Strong action is essential to help prevent further cruelty and to protect vulnerable animals in the community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Akingbola Opeyemi
