Staff Reporter
THE Justice for Animals Trust has conceded that while it is not illegal to kill a dog for consumption, a part of the law which they recently discovered says that it is illegal to kill dogs for commercial purposes.
Sune de Klerk, a Trustee of the organization, said that after a detailed examination, the trust unveiled a remarkable fact that brings a new ray of hope in their battle against animal cruelty: the only notice ever issued in terms of the Animals Protection Act, 71 of 1962, was on 14 July 1972 (RSA GN R.1246/1972 (RSA GG 3612) the “Notice”).
“This hidden gem categorically prohibits the killing of dogs for the purpose of commercial utilization of their skin, meat, or any other body parts. In clear terms: any person who kills a dog with the intention of using the skin or meat or any other part of such dog for commercial purposes acts in contravention of the Notice, is guilty of a criminal offense, and is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment of up to six (6) months or both,” de Klerk said.
She explained that today marks an incredible milestone for animal welfare in Namibia, and they at the Justice for Animals Trust are excited to share this significant news with you.
“In a pursuit of justice for our non-human friends, we’ve been tirelessly researching the legal framework around animal protection in our country. We, like all the other animal welfare institutions, were under the mistaken impression that no regulations or notices were issued in terms of the Animals Protection Act, 71 of 1962. Reluctantly, we had to concede when confronted with the question that it is not unlawful to kill a dog for consumption purposes,” de Klerk said.
File photo for illustrative purposes only.
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