SPCA confirms prosecution of businessman for force-feeding alcohol to fish
A Johannesburg businessman is set to be criminally prosecuted by the SPCA following a viral video showing him force-feeding alcohol to a fish.
The South African SPCA has announced that businessman Lethabo Sebapo, who was seen force-feeding alcohol to a fish in a viral video, will face criminal prosecution.
The disturbing clip has seen widespread public backlash over claims of animal cruelty.
SPCA SET TO PROSECUTE MAN WHO FORCE-FED FISH ALCOHOL
In a video posted on TikTok – the man, identified as Lethabo Sebapo – was seen force-feeding a fish a bottle of an alcoholic beverage.
The man laughs as the fish swallows the bottle of Sol Beer, which also drips down its body.
It’s unclear if the man, who vlogged about his fishing expedition, caught the fish for consumption or threw it back into the water.
The video went viral on social media, with many South Africans accusing the man of animal cruelty.
Lethabo, the owner of Johannesburg business The Eatery Hub, has since made his private TikTok and Instagram pages private.
Speaking to The South African, the SPCA’s Jacques Peacock revealed that the wheels are in motion to criminally prosecute the man under the Animal Protection Act.
The animal advocates expressed their disgust at the man’s actions and added that they were actively investigating the incident.
The South African has reached out to Lethabo for comment. This article will be updated once received.
ANIMAL CRUELTY – WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
The SPCA added that the man faces the provisional charges under section 2(1)(a), (n), (q), and (r) of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The act – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment.
Offenders could also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction.
Last week, the SPCA revealed how a Limpopo man identified as Dirk de Jager was successfully prosecuted over a video of him exposing a live snake trapped in a jar to the smoke of a marijuana joint.
After an investigation and prosecution, the man pleaded guilty but was sentenced by the Kgapane Magistrates Court to a fine of R2 000 or 30 days imprisonment.