Target: Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions, South Africa
Goal: Identify everyone involved after footage showed a donkey carrying four men while being repeatedly whipped, and prosecute anyone proven responsible for cruelty or obstruction.
Disturbing social media footage seemingly shows four adult men riding a single donkey while one repeatedly strikes the animal with a thick leather whip. The donkey is apparently carrying all four riders as it is driven along a paved street. The footage triggered an animal cruelty investigation and an urgent effort to locate the animal.
An owner was subsequently arrested after allegedly removing and concealing the donkey before an SPCA inspector arrived with legal authority to examine it. Authorities allege that the owner’s actions obstructed the investigation. The arrest does not establish guilt. The donkey was eventually located and transferred to rescuers, while three other men visible riding the animal remain unidentified.
Locating the donkey and making one arrest should not end this investigation. Authorities should identify every person shown in the footage and determine each individual’s role. If the evidence establishes animal cruelty, obstruction, or related offenses, prosecutors should bring appropriate charges and seek meaningful penalties against anyone convicted.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear National Director Batohi,
Video footage apparently qshows four adult men riding a single donkey while one repeatedly strikes the animal with a thick leather whip. The recording prompted an animal welfare investigation, and authorities subsequently located the donkey and transferred it to rescue teams.
The animal’s owner was arrested after allegedly removing and concealing the donkey before an SPCA inspector could examine it. Authorities allege that this conduct obstructed the investigation, but guilt has not been established. Three other adults visible riding the donkey remain unidentified. Please ensure investigators establish their identities and determine the role of every person involved.
Follow the available video evidence, witness information, and other investigative leads until everyone involved has been identified. If admissible evidence establishes animal cruelty, obstruction, or other criminal conduct, prosecute those responsible and seek meaningful penalties following conviction. No credible lead in a case involving such disturbing treatment of an animal should be ignored.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Matthew Guitguit
