The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has seized nearly 200 animals from an animal rescue shelter just outside of Atlantis after inspections revealed that animals kept at the establishment were suffering from neglect.
Following an urgent warrant secured from the Atlantis Magistrates Court, the SPCA says the most critical cases were removed from the Mahanaimfeet Sanctuary last Thursday. A follow-up inspection was conducted on Tuesday, and a further 75 dogs were removed from their care.
According to the SPCA, this is their fourth and largest animal rescue operation yet as 163 dogs and 29 tortoises were seized and rescued from dire conditions.
During the inspections of the premises by both Law Enforcement officers and SPCA inspectors, the owner of the sanctuary allegedly attempted to hide dogs from the inspectors, leading to the owner’s arrest for obstruction and animal cruelty.
According to the SPCA, this was not the owner, Ockert Kruger’s, first encounter with the law or the SPCA as it appears to be a repeating cycle of renting properties, accumulating debt, and evading eviction.
In 2018, the Swellendam SPCA seized horses from him under similar conditions.
“This case, like others before it, exposes how the unregulated nature of animal welfare leaves the public open to exploitation and animals open to harm. There is no governing body regulating rescue organisations.”
This is one of four shelter rescue operation conducted by the SPCA in the last year. During the first operartion in August last year, 31 dogs in dire need of urgent care were removed from HAWK Riverlands under court order, while the facility was ordered to reduce overcrowding.
Two months later, 63 cats and 8 rabbits were seized from Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome in Ruyterwacht in October last year due to severe welfare concerns.
Meanwhile in February this year, the SPCA raided the home of a rescuer in Wynberg, removing 16 cats and 5 rabbits, also living in poor conditions. The cats were sick, and the rabbits had severely overgrown nails and teeth.
“The SPCA is taking legal action to stop Mr. Kruger from acquiring more animals while court proceedings are underway. This must be the last time animals suffer at his hands.” — Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse
“No animal deserves to live like this. These dogs and tortoises had no voice, no choice, and no escape. We were their only hope. We need the public to stand with us—because without regulation and accountability, this cruelty will continue.” added Pieterse
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says it is spearheading changes to the City By-Laws to facilitate regulation and oversight of the sector in collaboration with the authorities.
“If we do not demand oversight, these cases will keep repeating.”
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