The man, who sold a three-week-old puppy with a raw, amputated paw in the City CBD last week and caused a public outcry on Facebook, has been nabbed.
A reward of R5000 was put up by animal lovers after an activist took to Facebook to ask mense to find the seller, posting a picture of him with the injured puppy.
The post went viral and was shared over 1 500 times.
It’s believed the black puppy might be a labrador.
Law Enforcement spokesman, Wayne Dyason, says the suspect was arrested in Gardens just after 8pm on Sunday and is being charged under the Animal Protection Act.
“On Sunday, at approximately 8.10pm a male suspect was arrested in Wandel Street, Dunkley Square, Gardens for selling dog puppies,” he says.
Puppy. Photo: SUPPLIED
“He was detained at Cape Town Central Police Station and charged under the Animal Protection Act.”
He confirmed it was the same perpetrator being sought by the public.
“The suspect was sought for allegedly mutilating puppies and then offering them for sale in public places.
“This method of selling puppies apparently garners sympathy from buyers who are moved by the sight of the suffering puppy and then buy it to seek medical care for the poor animal. “Concerned people had banded together on social media and offered rewards of up to R5000 for information leading to his arrest,” Dyason added.
The puppy was sold for R200 in Bree Street last Thursday after the suspect first wanted R600 for it.
He claimed the tiny dog’s hind paw was damaged by a car.