Ongwediva
The case in which a dog was cold-bloodedly shot last week at the Ekuku residential area stands to be sent to the prosecutor general to decide on whether or not to prosecute the villager who shot the dog.
Villagers near Ekuku residential area shot the pet, called Rambo, saying it has been attacking their livestock.
However, the pet owner Albert Ockhuizen said people have failed to provide evidence of the attacks or killed goats, arguing their dog was not a danger to society.
“Statements will be taken and once the investigation is complete, the docket will be sent to the prosecutor general to decide on who to prosecute,” said the head of the Namibian Police Public Relations Division, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi.
Nevertheless, police say the information they have is that Rambo has been attacking livestock. Kanguatijivi further said Rambo was allegedly found close to the scene where livestock were attacked, which is what prompted the village headman to order the killing of Rambo.
Ockhuizen said their beloved pet was at home when one of the village residents stormed into their yard and chased Rambo for about 100 metres from home before shooting the dog.
Rambo died minutes later while being treated by a veterinarian in Ongwediva.
The police have only registered a case of animal cruelty, CR 229/09/15.
The Ockhuizen family is accusing the police of refusing to register a case of trespassing, malicious damage to property and unlawful discharge of a dangerous and possibly unlicensed firearm in a residential area.
In addition, the family is also accusing the police of refusing to register a case of endangerment, assault through threatening and racial discrimination by the headman and the police.
Ockhuizen said the family was legally advised to give the police a week to respond to their grievances and only act thereafter.
The family protested in front of the police station in Oshakati on Saturday and Sunday last week demanding justice for their slayed pet Rambo.
SPCA manager Brigitte Meassner described Rambo’s killing as “inhuman” and “abuse”.
She said the police refusal to register the case has shown little to no understanding of the animal Act or that governing arms and ammunition.