This article appeared in the Star and in the Cape Times on March 3.
Summary: A dog has been sentenced to death by hanging in Rukwa, Tanzania. Its only "crime" is that its owner chose to give it the name of "Immigration" as an apparently antagonistic gesture against the immigration department of Tanzania.
Resolution: The dog has now been executed by shooting.
UPDATE: Inquiry ordered into dog's execution
This case, which seems to have set a legal precedent in which innocent animals can be executed as a form of punishment, highlights the plight of animals in our society. Not only are they not adequately protected from cruel treatment by any laws in Africa, but now they must also face the possibility that the law will use them as a means of punishment to offenders! It's not as if the animal itself is being accused of any perceived crime.
Who to contact:
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| Ryan Theologo (ryan@intekom.co.za) What is wrong with u people. Do u have to hurt and kill anything that is weaker than u just to prove how strong u r? I dont understand what could be going through your little minds. U make me sick. Tuesday, March 24, 1998 at 14:08:13 (SAT) |
| Panda () In a sociey where young children are raped in the supposed safety of their schools and the aged are murdered in their homes, is it a wonder that"humanity" puts so low a price on the lives of innocent animals? Sick. Sick. Sick. Sick. Sick. Monday, March 23, 1998 at 08:15:55 (SAT) |
| Mind Boggled (AntiAggro@Liveitup.world) the mind boggles, all this support for a dog yet a highly probably pro-abortion stand? MMmmm does NOT compute. while there may be exceptions to the rule, the death sentence and abortion are both are barbaric, and the same thing the only difference being that a foetus (and dog) have no say Friday, March 20, 1998 at 07:25:23 (SAT) |
| Elmari du Preez (elmari@astgrp.co.za) It's an absolut horror to think that the human specie use their so called power to harm animals ; it sickens the mind! Thursday, March 19, 1998 at 14:56:16 (SAT) |
| () Thursday, March 19, 1998 at 14:51:23 (SAT) |
| Johan Nieuwoudt (finn@comclin.co.za) Killing a dog because of it's name is wrong. The owner gave the dog the name,and should thus be the party to take the responsebility. Killing over a name is too much. If the dog killed someone, and it was not a result of provocation, then killing the dog might make some sence. But even in this case, the owner of the dog needs to be punished. Esentially, you can, in a big way, determine the nature of your dog. Killing a dog because of it's name, say more about the intellectual stand of the comunity at large. Thursday, March 19, 1998 at 13:48:28 (SAT) |
| B Good () Save the Dog - Shoot the President Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 18:24:34 (SAT) |
| Eric and Monique (satae@intekom.co.za) I think it stinks to treat a defenceless animal in such a way. Maybe it is time to shoot those people that are so quick to want to hurt poor defenceless animals. Imagine if you were an animal that had a gun, you could shoot back. Imagine how those same people treat human beings. They make me want to "VOMIT". How can you stand to look at such cute faces and then treat them like dirt. Man's best friend is his dog. YOU BASTARDS. Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 15:30:43 (SAT) |
| docter love () Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 13:37:19 (SAT) |
| Liz (smga@intekom.co.za) Hi everyone. No wonder these northern African countries are falling apart. Aren't we humans supposedly the most highly evolved? Doesn't seem like it when small minded idiots have to take a life in retaliation for such a small act of protest. Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 06:53:55 (SAT) |
| Nikki (mop@intekom.co.za) I agree with Jacqlyn. Which brings me to another point: How do you people propose we care about humanity when it is humanity that shocks us like this? reading things like this makes me NOT want to care about people anymore. Innocent or not! Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 15:58:29 (SAT) |
| Jacqlyn (jacqlyn@intekom.co.za) I am so fed up with hearing people say "what about the people?". So we should all just stop caring about animals just because there are so many people suffering too? Why not care about both? Since when does it detract from human rights to promote animal's rights too? If anything, caring for animals benefits people by promoting compassion for ALL living creatures. Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 12:35:46 (SAT) |
| Sarah (sarahh@intekom.co.za) I agree with Alec. Apart from anything else, it's a freedom of speech issue. Naming a dog is an form of expression / speech. Sticks and stones break bones but names never hurt anyone physically -- unlike idiot immigration / legal thugs. Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 11:38:22 (SAT) |
| alec (alec@intekom.com) it seems that some are not amused that a dog should have this attention, when millions are starving around the world. the major argument here is that a man of the courts sentenced an innocent animal to die. think about it. it's like killing a child if it's parents commit a crime. and in this case the prosecuting immigration officer told the court that Kachela mischievously gave the name of this "highly respected and law-abiding" government department. the implications are astounding. obviously dog killing is a highly respected and law abiding job. i think both humans and animals should be protected. Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 10:45:46 (SAT) |
| farlow (esday@erol.co.za) string the immigration director-general up by his balls and slice off thin pieces of it. Bastard!!!! Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 09:20:40 (SAT) |
| Adesso (adesso@intekom.co.za) Hell , hope my name is save to use. It's a bit braindead if yoiu think about it, should they not find something else to do than come up with such stupid ideas. The have a goverment to run ....or not ?? Monday, March 16, 1998 at 19:19:37 (SAT) |
| Joey () Well said Kim killing people seems to have become an intricate part of our African continent lives so we choose to worry about animals Monday, March 16, 1998 at 18:13:25 (SAT) |
| Salem (salem@intekom.co.za) well, because we have no disciplined control over our kingdom, we want to rule the animal kingdom.A Ruler once said that there is enough food on earth for mans need but not for mans greed. The point is that we should start to lead disciplined lives not only for ourselves but for the rest of God's creation as well. Monday, March 16, 1998 at 18:09:37 (SAT) |
| () Monday, March 16, 1998 at 16:41:44 (SAT) |
| Vanessa (hobbes) () Monday, March 16, 1998 at 16:37:27 (SAT) |
| Mark Ingle (vdpost@intekom.co.za) He should name his next dog `Dogs' and let the Tanzanians jump to whatever brain-dead conclusions they want to.. Monday, March 16, 1998 at 12:07:21 (SAT) |
| bev (bev@hayes.dynagen.co.za) This is typical african country mentality. I have seen several articles and a few films on this topic. What is ever done to prevent such things happening again? I realise that in some countries outsiders and their views are not accepted very readily. Monday, March 16, 1998 at 11:26:27 (SAT) |
| () Monday, March 16, 1998 at 09:51:42 (SAT) |
| William van Zyl (willv@usa.net) This is an unacceptable act. It is typical of a Government organisation, impotent and selfconscious of its actions in the public domain. So what if the guy doesn't like theimmigration dept? So what if the dog's name was Immigration? In the world of today, where we are losing touch with nature at an ever increasing rate, we can't afford to commit such heinous crimes against ourselves and our environment. The judge(wannabe judge) should be dismissed from his position an be refused public service employment ever again. That is unfortunately the only sensible thing to do. One can't exactly go and kill him for his stupidity. That would be as bad as killing a dog because of its name. What a bunch of absolutely useless idiots Tanzania seem to have in their justice department. Monday, March 16, 1998 at 09:31:46 (SAT) |
| Nicolla (nicolla@rocketmail.com ) I think this is totally dispicable. How can those people do such a horrible thing, I am shocked with horror, the poor dog! Sunday, March 15, 1998 at 18:35:08 (SAT) |
| Katie Andrews (rawit.intekom.co.za) I can't believe we live in a world of such inhumanity! I'm truly shocked by such cruelty......words cannot explain how angry I am! Sunday, March 15, 1998 at 13:21:07 (SAT) |
| Litisha Richardson (esi@intekom.co.za) And we are supposed to be the intelligent animals. Sunday, March 15, 1998 at 12:13:59 (SAT) |
| Mike Berry (mikeberry@intekom.co.za) I am speechless........with horror Sunday, March 15, 1998 at 01:01:03 (SAT) |
| Rein (benade@intekom.co.za) Yep, this world is full of these careless weasels. It is hard to believe that ANY country could possibly take such pathetically LOW actions by convicting a DOG, off all things, to death. Let me guess... The Tanzanian Government obviously hasn't got any better things to do than to sentence a poor dog to death. Geeeeeez, what is this damn world coming to??? Why don't they start considering convicting ACTUAL prosecuters? I mean, what about all the swindlers, thieves, murderers and rapists? It seems that THEY are innocent! Tanzania, you need to get your bolts tightened... Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 22:46:57 (SAT) |
| () It's a dogs life! Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 22:39:59 (SAT) |
| P. MEIRELLES (meirelles@intekom.co.za) It's ridiculos i am chock. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 17:41:25 (SAT) |
| Roselle (sherriff@intekom.co.za) I think that this is very uncalled for ,how would you like to be put to death just because of you'r name!!!!!!! I think thet dog sould have a new owner and that his name be changed to something else. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 16:18:16 (SAT) |
| peter klipfel (peterklip@intekom.co.za) i am so very embarrest to be a tanzanian by birth only. it is so disgusting that humans with intelligence can do such a stupid act - unbelievable Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 15:06:00 (SAT) |
| peter klipfel (peterklip@intekom.co.za) i am so very embarrest to be a tanzanian by birth only. it is so discusting that humans with intelligence can do such a stupid act - unbelievable Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 15:04:03 (SAT) |
| veronica (preator@intecom.co.za) I can't belive that peopel can be so cruel.If they want to punish someone why not the man that gave the dog it's name. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 14:13:03 (SAT) |
| every (warren@intekom.co.za) what the hell were they thinking? I just don't think it's fair 'cause the poor dog didn't have any say in this case! I mean.. wake up - will we also be sentenced to death if our parents gave us a name such as "immigration" at birth? PLEAASEEE???? Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 12:57:00 (SAT) |
| MRS ROGERS (andrewro@intekom.co.za) owners should be castrated. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 11:42:55 (SAT) |
| PLANET X () YOU SUX Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 11:37:40 (SAT) |
| Kim () There ar emillions of people all over the world who are dying because nobody cares enough to save them and yet there's all this hoo-ha about a dog and dogs' rights. If people cared about people half as much as they seem to care about animals, the world wouldn't be in such a mess. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 11:31:50 (SAT) |
| Darren (loki@intekom.co.za) use a second bullet on the prosecuter but let him spend some time in a spca cage first Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 11:21:12 (SAT) |
| TROYE (KOBUS@SABEX.COM) SEND THIS PROSECUTOR TO SOUTH AFRICA ALL EXPENCES PAID AND DROP HIM OFF AT SOWETO IN AWB CLOTHING Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 10:11:51 (SAT) |
| Karen (agkuhn.intekom.co.za) Where are the world coming to, if inocent animals are being killed because of their names. Sometimes I am ashamed to call myself a human been. We are supposed to be the superior race. To protect and look after animals, but instead, we put innocent animals on trail, and execute them!! My question reamains: Where are we going to?? Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 09:56:23 (SAT) |
| Hilton (hilt@intekom.co.za) Well yes the dog did have a choose its own name right?? How pathetic can a nation be when they sentance an animal to death because of its name ?? I cannot believe the petty nature of some piss willy little nature at the bottom of the planet and as for the person who made the decision , I hope Greenpeace get hold of the rifle that did the job and stick it right up your ass Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 09:31:37 (SAT) |
| Dr. X (roxi@intekom.co.za) The Tanzanians obviously have nothing better to do. Putting a dog on trial is absolutely ludicrous. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 01:16:44 (SAT) |
| Ian Norval (norval@intekom.co.za) I am ashamed at how we "civilized" people treat animals. A naughty kid teases a dog which eventually bites him and then the dog is put down. This "execution" in Tanzania seems to go just that much further. I think that we must seriously look at ourselves. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 01:15:13 (SAT) |
| megan (p turner @ intekom.co.za) WHY WAS THE DOG KILLED.HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 00:09:26 (SAT) |
| Grant Smith (smithgr@intekom.co.za) I think that the Tanzanian law makers etc. need a wake up smack. Have they ever heard of "Freedom of speech" > A dog is not respnsible for it's behaviour....the person who trained the dog is...and for learned people not to realise this makes one think....why are these people in positions of power...they should be shot!!! The stupid idiots. Grant Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 00:09:17 (SAT) |
| Vincent de Maudave Bestel (vinni@websol.co.za) I couldn't believe what I was hearing, when I heard it. It's as if we've taken 100 steps backwards... I think that the idiot passing such a sentence should be hung himself. Obviously hanging him is not the answer, he should at the very least be put under intense psychiatrical evaluation. A person who reasons like that should not be allowed to pass judgement on anything... Saturday, March 14, 1998 at 00:07:06 (SAT) |
| Michail (looney@intekom.co.za) Know I really beleive the saying that man kind isn't perfect, but know theres another saying that comes to mind mankind is really perthetic. Why should a dog be tried for something that he had no choice or say in. I sincerley hope that the international abuse of animals commity or any such organisation that exists reacts to this in a vigouris manner and prevent this from happening again. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 19:40:27 (SAT) |
| Brendan_Jon (Brendanh@intekom.co.za) This must be one of the most pathertic case ever tried. How the hell can you sentence the dog to death for the owners arogance! If it is such an issue the owner should take the blame and not the poor defenceless, speechless animal. What happened to the intenational law of have a fair and justified trial. The so called educated people should really think again before react. I would really love to see what happens to someone that is accused of murder. If i gave my son the name immagration what will happen then. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 19:33:42 (SAT) |
| Jade () I can't believe people are making innocent animals pay for the sins of the humans. Is it the dog's fault that his owner called him that name? Is it the dog's fault that his owner strutted around denouncing the government? NO!! People can sometimes be so sick and twisted. There should be a world-wide revolt against this form of animal abuse. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 19:08:14 (SAT) |
| Caryn (hothouse@hotmail.com) Well the good news is that Tanzania has the death penalty! Never heard of a dog being sentenced, afterall what is in a name..!! It also gives the saying "elke hond kry sy dag" new meaning. If only South Africa can rethink it's policy on the death penalty, there are a few "dogs" that deserve to have their day! Friday, March 13, 1998 at 17:32:29 (SAT) |
| Raymond (ransell@intekom.co.za) I think this is the sickest thing I have heard of,did the authorities not have the guts to take on the owner,not that there apears to be any reason to do that either. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 17:15:38 (SAT) |
| nikki (mop@intekom.co.za) um, I finally get it. No bloody wonder the guy supports immigration. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 17:11:00 (SAT) |
| Nikki (mop@intekom.co.za) Excuse the blasphemy but jesus christ! I actually cant believe this is TRUE!! At this stage I cannot say anything as I am seriously at a loss for words. I will have to get my bearings back somehow. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 17:06:27 (SAT) |
| Jackie () I find it distressing that societies have become so sick and twisted. Imagine the miserable life the bastard must have to feel no compassion for anything. I hope this "thing" that made this decision rots in hell!! Friday, March 13, 1998 at 16:35:44 (SAT) |
| peter (kingpea@hotmail.com) Not only to say that the dog is adorable,but how can sentence a dog to death because of what it,s owner decided to call it ?! They're not being really very empathetic toward the dog I mean i'm sure the dog is really sorry or will be really sorry for having it's name ,and i'm sure that this will change alot for them! Friday, March 13, 1998 at 16:33:19 (SAT) |
| Luqman Fredericks (luqman@ct2004.com) The way i see it, many people are dying for the same reason wich is nothing and many people who deserve the penality of this dog is not getting it. I know this seems like a freek to civilisation, but if you only knew that there are people, innocent people dying for no reason. Why not the effort for that? We all just alot of hypocrites. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 16:26:45 (SAT) |
| Realist (benoprmn@intekom.co.za) Welcome in Africa. Suddenly you have been exposed to reality regarding the make believe world we are trying to create. All I can say is God bless Africa, that is if He has the courage and desire to do so. Hope I never meet them in heaven. Not that there is any chance that they will be allowed in. What is next ? Humans. Hope they rot in Hell. I would love to do the same to their families. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 15:04:19 (SAT) |
| Sarky Marky (sarc@stic.com) Yeah, this is bad man! Reminds me of the story of this ou and this dog both standing in the dock in a courtroom. The judge walks in and reads the charge sheet and looks up incredulously at the accused and says: "I cannot believe this, you are charged with having sex with this dog....sex with a dog??? How low can you go???" and the ou replies..."A chihuahua!" Hey you Tanzanian Government morons, how low can YOU go??" Friday, March 13, 1998 at 14:31:41 (SAT) |
| Diana (dstreak@mweb.com) I still find this hard to believe. Do we know for sure that it's true? So much for a Rose by any other name. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 13:57:04 (SAT) |
| Gideon Spies (waktaar@intekom.co.za) And they call themselves human? what a joke to justice and rationality. At this pace we will soon be no better that barbarians. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 13:52:55 (SAT) |
| cheral () I think that that is totally uncalled for.... I cannot believe that they will hang a dog, because of its owners beleifs. It is the same as hanging an innocent child for a name its parents gave him/her. The dog is an innocent victim. Rather chop off the owners hands or tongue. Don't hurt innocent animals!!!!!!!! Friday, March 13, 1998 at 13:39:20 (SAT) |
| Leigh (hwbedit@icon.co.za) Whatever next? Soon our pets will be up against inquisitions of every description (Black cat on trial for sorcery!!). what can we do, right here in our safe little democracy? Well, for one thing, stop eating the poor little critters รป one man's beef-steak is another man's pet moo-cow! Geddit? Friday, March 13, 1998 at 13:28:08 (SAT) |
| Jeremy Dowson (jeremy@intekom.com) If one defines fascism as the ultimate in denying anyone the right of reply, this case surely has to rank as one of the worst examples of fascism. After all, what can a dog (or any non-human) say in the dock to the question: "How do you plead?" Woof, woof? I mean, was there a qualified translator present?! Friday, March 13, 1998 at 13:21:19 (SAT) |
| alec (alecmccrindle@hotmail.com) yeeha! i got the no. for the dept. of immagration in rukwa in tanzania (no fax or email - sorry). phone them and give them flack! international - 255 +67 2089. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 13:13:10 (SAT) |
| alec (alecmccrindle@hotmail.com) it's amazing. incredible and unbelieveable that a court of adults in an official judicial environment could resort to this sort of infantile and barbaric behaviour. but instead of whining about this though, phone the tanzanian ambassador on 012 342 4394, and tell him (not his secretary) what you think about the crap judicial system in his homeland. Friday, March 13, 1998 at 12:42:03 (SAT) |
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