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Bloemfontein - The veterinarian who assisted the NSPCA in their investigation on Thandi Modise’s farm in North West has been found guilty on two charges of contravening the SA Veterinary Council’s rules.
Dr Sameer Abbas, a veterinary surgeon practicing in Potchefstroom, appeared before an independent disciplinary committee of the SAVC following his refusal to hand over evidence and reports relating to the criminal charges laid against Modise, the National Council of Provinces chairperson.
Abbas’s licence to practice was suspended for six months, the suspension itself being suspended for two years.
Dr Abbas took his own photographs at the farm Modderfontein near Potchefstroom after the National Council of SPCAs had gained entrance under a court order in July last year. Police and NSPCA inspectors found more than 100 dead animals, including sheep, geese, goats and ducks, on her farm.
It appeared they had been without food or water for over a week. About 85 pigs, who were still alive, had begun cannibalising 58 dead pigs, and were reportedly drinking their own urine.
Many others found alive had to be put down. There were no farmworkers on the property, no electricity, and the water pumps were broken.
Tissue samples
Abbas took tissue samples of the animals for analysis which the NSPCA expected would form the basis of his report for inclusion in the docket relating to the charges against Modise. The veterinarian also performed post-mortem examinations on the carcass of a sheep that had died on the Modise farm.
The National Council of SPCAs was advised in an e-mail from Abbas that he no longer wished to have any involvement in the matter.
“Please do not make any further contact or send any further correspondence.”
According to Andries Venter, spokesperson for the NSPCA, Abbas said he was intimidated and received threatening phone calls.
The NSPCA was taken aback by this declaration, confirming that it was the first time in the organisation’s 59 year history that a veterinarian had undertaken work for the NSPCA then refused to provide a report.
Criminal charges were laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act. According to the police, the case is still being investigated and they are awaiting Modise’s affidavit.
Venter told News24 that they were not worried about the criminal case, as they eventually gained access to Abbas’s records through SAVC procedures.
