The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has announced its intention to lay criminal charges against TikTok user Lethabo Sebapo after a video surfaced showing him pouring an alcoholic beverage, suspected to be beer, into the mouth of a common carp.
In the video, Sebapo is seen holding the fish in one hand while pouring the beverage into its mouth, laughing throughout the act.
Violation of the Animals Protection Act
NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock confirmed that Sebapo has been tracked and contacted, and the compilation of a docket is in its final stages.
Peacock stated, “Sebapo… will face criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.” The individual admitted to the act and stated that his motivation was “to have fun.”
Rise in Social Media Animal Cruelty Cases
The NSPCA has observed an alarming increase in videos depicting animal cruelty since the rise of social media platforms like TikTok.
Peacock noted, “Much of our Inspectors’ time and resources are now taken up by tracking and investigating the sources of such videos.”
These cases often end up unsuccessful due to difficulties in identifying the individuals involved.
“All the time that our inspectors spend on these investigations is time taken away from where they can be out in the field, assisting animals where needed,” he added.
Public Support and Legal Precedents
Despite these challenges, the NSPCA is receiving support from South Africans in condemning such acts of cruelty.
Peacock expressed, “The NSPCA is heartened by the widespread condemnation of Sebapo’s actions, which reflects the compassion that many South Africans feel for animals—including fish—who are often overlooked in their capacity for sentience and suffering.”
He hopes this prosecution will serve as a strong deterrent, discouraging individuals from publishing acts of animal cruelty as a form of entertainment and from committing them in the first place.
This incident is not isolated; public figures have also faced scrutiny for similar actions. In September 2023, the NSPCA laid criminal charges against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for animal cruelty after a video showed his failed attempt to sever a cow’s spinal cord during a ceremonial slaughter.
The NSPCA emphasized that such actions inflict unnecessary pain and suffering on animals and that individuals, regardless of their status, must be held accountable. 
The Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 is a crucial piece of legislation in South Africa that aims to prevent cruelty to animals. It prohibits any person from ill-treating, torturing, or infuriating an animal, among other offenses.
The Act serves as a legal framework to ensure that individuals who inflict harm upon animals are held accountable for their actions. The NSPCA’s decision to prosecute Sebapo underscores the organization’s commitment to upholding these laws and protecting animal welfare.
