A Romanian law prohibiting live exports when temperatures surpass 45 degrees Celsius was breached during a recent import from Romania to Israel that contained thousands of cattle
Patterns of behaviour
Swemmer’s research into amending domestic violence laws to include protecting companion animals is likely the first of its kind in South Africa.
A dog rescued from a taxi hunt syndicate. Photo: NSPCA
She aims to prove that violence against one group of vulnerable individuals, such as women, children or pets, could result in abuse against the other.
This is not something that is proven overnight, however.
“What is important is there are links between abuse of animals and potential to be violent to other individuals too. But I do not think one act of aggression towards an animal is an indicator of mental illness or of escalated violence to follow.