SPCA shuts down a Retreat K9 rescue for animal cruelty

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA have shut down a K9 training company in Retreat and arrested the owner of the company, after it found that animals on the property were subjected to animal cruelty.

K9 Patrol Pet Army Founder Jamie Pieterse and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel were arrested on Friday following a raid at their property. Pieterse allegedly tried to flee the scene but was later apprehended in Scarborough by the City’s Traffic Services, with narcotics in his possession.

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According to SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham, 13 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, and 3 tubs of fish were rescued from the property.

Earlier that day, SPCA Inspectors — armed with a warrant obtained from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court — accompanied by Kirstenhof SAPS, descended on the property. Abraham says their entry was obstructed by co-accused Marizelle, who stalled authorities for over seven minutes, claiming not to have the keys.

“It was only after she was warned of immediate arrest that the gates were finally opened. She was further caught attempting to untie one of the dogs in a clear effort to defeat the ends of justice before SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse intervened.”

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According to the SPCA, five adult dogs were found tethered to short chains or ropes outside, without access to clean drinking water. and puppies were confined to a small pen.

Meanwhile, inside the house, a pitbull stood alone in the kitchen, three dogs were crammed in with piles of faeces, urine, and decaying rubbish in the bathroom and another three dogs were discovered locked in a separate room.

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Both Jamie and Marizelle are now facing a range of serious charges, including:

Multiple counts under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, including neglect, chaining and confining animals in cruel conditions, denying access to water, and failure to provide veterinary care;
Obstruction of justice in terms of Section 8(4) of the Animals Protection Act;
Violations of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-law, for keeping excessive numbers of unsterilised dogs;
And contravening environmental legislation by unlawfully keeping invasive alien species.

On Tuesday, the two suspects appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, following a weekend spent in police holding cells. The matter was postponed until Thursday, for the accused to formally apply for bail.

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The SPCA added that it also laid charges of animal cruelty against Pieterse in March, after he attempted to treat a dog’s torn ear by glueing it back together with super glue, without any pain relief, sterilisation, or proper veterinary knowledge.

Video footage showed the dog, named Pablo, yelping in pain as Pieterse and co restrained him and forced his mouth shut during the botched “treatment.”

“It’s heartbreaking to think of the pain these animals endured in silence. We will not allow false rescuers to exploit animals for personal gain or attention. Justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.