Am I doing right ? Roy Sparks.

[Roy Sparks]

In about February this year I was contracted to hunt problem jackal near my home town. My pickup was in for repairs so the farmer collected my hounds and two handlers for the job.

Early on the first morning I heard my staff going nuts on the base station at home - someone was shooting at them and the hounds !! I scrambled the farmer to fetch me as I had no transport. He knew nothing of the shooting. We got hold of his immediate neighbour and he confirmed that he and others were in pursuit of the hounds. We got some sense into him and got them to stop. This guy is new to the area and not used to hounds crossing boundaries in hot pursuit.

We got to the scene on a public road and found this neighbour and two adjacent neighbours who were both armed with rifles openly brandishing them in a public place ( offense ). When we arrived the farmer hiring my hounds got out to speak to this party to find out what the hell was going on. They were immediately hostile toward him and were verbally abusing him.No sense was being made in their rowdy discussion.The two adjacent neighbours have been of farming stock here for generations and we know one another. They have even themselves used my hounds. They are however known to be confrontational.

Fearing my hounds may have been killed or injured I got out to enquire if any hounds had been shot. I was verbally abused , threatened that I'd be shot as well as my hounds and then physically assaulted in the presence of our local police who were at the scene by then.The police and the farmer who hired my hounds intervened and diffused a potentially dangerous situation as both the neighbours ( father and son ) were armed with rifles.I never reacted in defense of myself. Luckily none of my hounds or staff were injured.I kept on telling the police to take note of what was being said and what they did to me physically.

The hounds were never on the property of the two aggressors.The new neighbour stood by in a neutral composure.

I duelly accompanied the police to the charge office to open charges. I was immediately confronted by a white policeman known to the offenders who tried to water down the incident.

Since my and my staffs statements were taken progress has dragged out. I found out that the offenders were offered an admission of guilt settlement equivelent to a US$ 40 .00 fine.I was not consulted with in this respect at all by the police or local prosecutor. I had to make my own enquiries to find this out.The police would not let me see my statement and were vague about the charges.I then acted.

Since then another prosecutor has been assigned to the case.

Where previously only the son had an assault common charge against him by the state both he and his father are facing charges under the new firearms control act - 2 different charges.Assault common and crimen injuria.

How far do I go with this ? What is my responsibilty to the general public in a case like this and more so to the houndsmen community ?

I dont expect myself, staff or hounds to be treated like this when I'm providing a service to my community.

Advice and comments would be welcome.

Regards - Roy.

[Conejos]

All I can say is get a rope! Keep after them just be carefull of retaliation.

[Roy Sparks]

Yup retaliation on dogs can be simply mean. They all know where my kennels are and poisoning could be hard to label on anyone specific. We looking at hidden camera's with triggers to 5 different cell phones.

Then I have a Red dog that can run wild in retaliation as well that you can't get a collar or lead on !! I named him Old Smokey.

Take care - Roy.

[Pops]

keeping in mind retaliation can lead to escalation
HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO?

[Roy Sparks]

Pops , I just want justice served appropriately. These guys are not popular by a long shot here , they wealthy and they are arrogant and believe that because they have money they are untouchable.

So far in terms of legal expenses it is not costing me a cent. They have an advocate representing them. I'm represented by the state and have recourse all the way to director of public prosecutions. I think this has already cost them a pretty penny.Then if they are found guilty I have a short route with a civil case against them.They also stand to loose their right to firearm ownership in respect of our laws here currently.

Point is it is unlawful in the first place here to just up and blaze away at dogs on your property that are accompanied.My hounds were not even on their property but their neighbours. Also the guy threatened to shoot me and assaulted me physically.

A number of similar incidents have occured here with other hound owners who have not pursued their rights. I believe this type of crap will diminish if someone is brought to book.

Regards - Roy.

[cat and bear]

Roy, it sounds like you are handleing it the right way. I would push it to the limit in the court system, even get a newspaper, or magazine to cover the story, its a way to make everyone accountable, including the laws. If you kept your head while someone is shooting at your dogs, and workers,my hat is off to you. The worst is behind you, I would put security camera's around the dogs kennels, or even trail camera's. You can set these guys up anytime, for the rest, the media, will help you more then anything, for now, good luck

[Conejos]

I know how you feel Roy nothing makes you madder than having a gun put in your face or having someone abuse your dog. I'm sure graveyards are full of guys that tried pulling that kind of shit. I think you are going about it the right way. Don't let your anger do the thinking and watch your back buddy. You gotta draw the line somewhere so good job hope these guys learn a lesson!

[Roy Sparks]

Okay , today I was visited by a police inspector. According to him officers were recently dispatched to sieze and confiscate the two fireams that were present in this incident from the accused. The accused phoned their legal representative who told them not to hand over the firearms that the police were acting unlawfully.

The police had been instructed by the court to confiscate these firearms.

I was told the officers were treated with disrespect and verbally abused. They left the scene without the firearms but are expected to file their own charges of crimen injuria. The state prosecutor representing my case is consulting with his superior.

It is likely because of the accused not complying that a warrant will now be issued to sieze every single firearm they own under license or otherwise. All firearms in possesion of citizens in South Africa have to be licensed.

There is a probability of this case going to the high court.

Will keep you informed.

Roy.

[Mountainhound]

You are definitly going about it right. I admire your restraint, I am impulsive and a bit of a hothead when somone gets confrontaitional with me. I tend to react before thinking especially when someone threatens family, friends, and my dogs. So my hat is off to you for your restraint.

Now as for the police showing up with a warrent and walking away empty handed their is no way that would happen here. If you resist thier efforts in any way you will be making the trip with what they came for. Good luck hope it all works out.

[Roy Sparks]

Thank's Mountainhound. Had Bible cell and prayers last night. I know a lot if not most of you here are Christians.Had quite a heated debate on this matter where some folk were telling me to forgive and forget this and drop charges. Quite a number were reluctant to comment at all. Our pastor was one who suggested that I forgive and let it go by. He is a wealthy farmer. My wife was quite sharp when he opened up and asked him what happened in his case when his sheep were stolen.Mmm !!

The perpetrators were caught , charged and are serving prison sentences. I asked him when all went suddenly quiet if he was at least paying them a visit now and again and sharing the Good News with them..... hush !!!

What are your views ?

Roy.

[Mountainhound]

I am not much for the forgive and forget philosophy. Always have had a hard time letting things go, and I never forget.

[cat and bear]

I would say pray about it, and you will have the answers and direction in some form. With that being said, laws have been broken, lives in danger, that is why we have a court system and laws, for all of us to follow. If they are broken, you are accountable for your actions. If these guys get away this time, will they kill you or your help next time something triggers them? They have no respect for anyone the way it sounds.