Animal cruelty charges filed after SPCA discovers neglect in Edgemead home

Twenty-five animals were rescued from a house in Edgemead after they were found trapped in dirt. 

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said they received multiple complaints but were unable to gain access to the property on two separate occasions. 

The initial complaint was received on April 12 from a concerned member of the public associated with a rescue organisation.

The complaint, which was accompanied by video and photographic evidence, alleged severe neglect, including the feeding of live prey to snakes, visible injuries on rodents, and a bird kept in dirty and unhygienic conditions.

A second complaint was later submitted by another rescue organisation, corroborating the conditions and urgency of intervention.

The inspectorate was able to obtain a warrant in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, read together with Regulation 468.

An SPCA statement reads: “Inspector Lee Prins attempted to conduct inspections on April 13 and 14, during which no-one responded at the premises, and he was unable to gain entry. This left inspector Prins with no other option but to approach the Goodwood Magistrate's Court on an urgent basis for a warrant to gain entry to the premises.

"On April 16, inspector Prins, accompanied by fellow Inspectors and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, returned to the property and executed the warrant. A locksmith had to be called to assist with gaining entry to the premises.”

"The inspectorate said that upon entering the premises, what they found were heartbreaking. 

“Upon entering the premises, SPCA Inspectors found two dogs free roaming in acceptable condition, with access to clean water, shelter, and food.

"However, the conditions inside the home told a very different story.

"Seventeen rats, ten adults and seven babies in dirty enclosures covered in old faeces and soiled newspaper.

"Seven snakes were kept in dirty tanks, two of which showed signs of potential medical issues, one emaciated with a visible spine and another with a concerning head deformity. Some of the tanks contained mould and blood.

"One bird, housed in an extremely dirty cage with accumulated faeces and four cats, free roaming inside the home.”

Due to the unacceptable hygiene conditions and apparent neglect, the 17 rats, seven snakes, and one bird were seized and removed for veterinary assessment and ongoing care.

The owners will now be facing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse said: “We remain committed to acting swiftly and lawfully where animals are in distress or denied appropriate care. In this instance, our Inspectors followed due process and executed their duties with compassion and integrity. Animals deserve better, and we will always be their voice.” 

Cape Argus