Netcare 911 reacts to attack on defenceless animal

Craig Grindell, chief operating officer of Netcare 911, has condemned the unacceptable attack on a family pet by an off-duty staff member of the company in the strongest possible terms.

“This attack, which apparently resulted in the death of a defenceless animal, is totally against our company values of care, truth, dignity, passion and participation and the code of conduct that we as caring members of society stand for. It is also not a reflection of other Netcare 911 paramedics who assist in saving lives on a daily basis. We have only just become aware of the attack and are reviewing it as a matter of urgency. We will take the appropriate internal action,” says Grindell.

On February 26, 2014 SPCA Roodepoort Maraisburg posted the photo of trainee paramedic Christopher Ritchie, who was convicted in the Roodepoort Magistrates court on charges of animal cruelty after beating his dog to death.

A video was sent to the Roodepoort SPCA of Ritchie beating and kicking his dog to death. A warrant was obtained and the remaining dog was confiscated from the property and charges of animal cruelty opened.

Ritchie pleaded guilty on the charges and was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment or R1000 fine suspended for 5 year. Ritchie was also declared unfit to keep any dogs.