In a shocking act of courage, a Dutch woman was caught on camera intervening in a violent situation where a man was seen beating a donkey on the outskirts of Cairo.
The disturbing footage shows the donkey frantically kicking in pain as the handler lashed the animal repeatedly, leaving viewers horrified by the cruelty.
A Bold Response to Animal Abuse
The woman, identified as Jock Vanderbost, a veterinary practice owner and the founder of Good Karma Sanctuary, couldn’t stand by while the animal was suffering.
After seeing the brutal treatment, she charged at the man, pinning him against a wall and striking him several times while shouting, “You think you’re f****** normal?” The video shows her standing up against the abuser, showing no hesitation in defending the helpless animal.
As the man tried to flee, Vanderbost grabbed a whip from another handler nearby and pursued him, determined to stop the abuse.
Her actions quickly went viral, sparking outrage online and bringing attention to the mistreatment of animals in Egypt’s popular tourist areas.
Widespread Animal Abuse in Egypt
Ms. Vanderbost, who has lived in Cairo for many years and is married to an Egyptian, explained that animal abuse is unfortunately a common sight in the region.
She expressed her disgust at what she witnessed, recounting the moment: “Of course I jumped in between them.”
She also shared that after she shouted for the abuse to stop, the abuser insulted her and intensified his violence towards the donkey.
Her intervention caught the attention of local authorities, and the man seen in the video eventually filed a police complaint against her, claiming that the viral footage had caused him “psychological harm.”
Although she was arrested, Vanderbost was later released, while the man was also identified and taken into custody.
Possible Legal Consequences
Despite the tension around the incident, Vanderbost remains determined to continue advocating for change.
She acknowledged that she might still face legal consequences, including the possibility of prison time or even deportation.
However, she made it clear that if it leads to reform and better protection for animals, the risk will be worth it.
“I could probably get six months or a year in prison, or maybe even deportation.
But if that means that something will finally change here, it was worth it,” she said.
Vanderbost’s clinic provides essential veterinary care for working animals like horses, donkeys, and mules, addressing everything from wounds to skin conditions and parasite treatment.
She has long been outspoken about her efforts to combat animal cruelty in Egypt, and this incident has only strengthened her resolve to continue her mission.
Her actions have sparked a larger conversation about animal rights and the importance of standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
