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The prominent Knysna businessman who dragged his dog behind his sports car last year was found guilty and sentenced.
After admitting guilt Petrus Meyer, 65, entered a plea agreement and was sentenced to either a R40 000 fine or 12 months behind bars. The sentence was suspended for five years. The Knysna Magistrate's Court also instructed him to donate R20 000 to the Knysna Animal Welfare Society.
Meyer was charged with animal cruelty after he tied a rope around the neck of his young female ridgeback called Gina and dragged the dog behind his vehicle in Galjoen Street in Brenton-on-Lake on June 11.
Despite efforts by local residents who intervened and managed to end the torture, the dog still suffered severe injuries.
Both Gina and Meyer's other dog, a bullmastiff-cross named Benji, was taken out of his care. Benji was adopted, while Gina received the necessary treatment and placed in foster care.
Since his first appearance in court last year Meyer's case had been marred by several postponements and two no-shows for which warrants of arrests were issued and held over.
