SEE: 3 dogs rescued from parked vehicle in City CBD

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has removed three dogs from unacceptable living conditions inside a parked vehicle in the Cape Town CBD. The operation was reportedly conducted after Law Enforcement officers called the SPCA for assistance on Friday evening.

SPCA inspectors reportedly had previous dealings with the owner concerning the welfare of his animals. It is believed that the owner had been staying permanently inside the vehicle with the dogs.

Two of the dogs were reportedly tethered to a fence in Long Street while the third remained in or around the vehicle.

According to SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham, on previous occasions, inspectors have intervened and required the suspect to address welfare concerns.

Following these interventions, the owner would reportedly disappear from the area with the dogs, but reappear after some time.

“The SPCA has therefore been aware of this individual and the welfare concerns surrounding the keeping of his dogs for some time. When our Inspector was called to Long Street on Friday evening, its was unfortunately not our first encounter with him.”

Abraham emphasised that a motor vehicle is not an appropriate permanent living environment for three dogs. She added that the animals require sufficient space to move and rest, proper ventilation, hygienic conditions, protection from the weather and access to their basic needs.

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“The conditions found by our inspector raised serious animal welfare concerns and could not be allowed to continue.”

Law Enforcement officers reported that while they were dealing with the suspect, he became obstructive and untied one of the dogs despite being instructed not to do so. He then proceeded to set the dogs on the officers and was subsequently arrested.

Officers further reported that, while already under arrest and handcuffed, the man continued to incite the dogs and ran back into the vehicle, where the loose dog was also present.

SEE: dogs rescued from car in City CBD

All three dogs were removed and taken into the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, where they can be properly assessed and cared for. The SPCA added criminal charges for animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.