SPCA questions deterrence of penalties for animal cruelty

The Society for the Protection and Care of Animals has expressed appreciation to the police for taking prompt and efficient action in "yet another case of cat poisoning" that occurred earlier in the month.

Despite the fact that immediate action was taken - the SPCA investigated reports, collected the cat and brought in a vet - the amount of poison ingested had been too large for any hope of survival and it was too late, the society said.

It augured that punishments in these cases would fit the crime, so that they could serve as a deterrent against animal cruelty.

The SPCA also questioned whether the penalties contemplated by the Animal Protection Act were harsh enough to put people off committing these offences.

"Lack of education is no excuse for these crimes and there is only one language that seems to be understood," the SPCA said.

It really depended on the intervention and assistance of the police in cases of animal cruelty, it said, auguring that their actions would have the backing of the law.