Three dogs have been rescued from what the Cape of Good Hope SPCA described as unacceptable living conditions inside a vehicle in Cape Town’s CBD.
The dogs were removed after the SPCA was called to assist Law Enforcement on Long Street on Friday evening, 18 September. Their owner was arrested following an altercation with officers, while the SPCA has since laid criminal charges relating to animal cruelty.
SPCA had previously warned owner
Inspector Lwazi Ntungele responded after officers found a man living permanently inside a car parked on Long Street. One dog was tethered outside, while two others were inside the vehicle with the owner.
According to the SPCA, this was not its first interaction with the owner.
The organisation said it had previously dealt with him over welfare concerns and issued multiple warnings to improve the dogs’ living conditions.
The owner would then disappear from the area with the dogs, making follow-up attempts difficult, before later reappearing.
When Inspector Ntungele arrived on Friday night, the conditions inside the car were found to be extremely poor. The interior was filthy and had a strong smell of urine.
“The confined space was being occupied by three dogs and an adult male. It simply did not provide adequate living conditions for the animals,” says the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The organisation said dogs require sufficient living space, hygiene and access to basic needs, which could not be adequately provided inside the cramped vehicle.
Owner arrested after incident with officers
Law Enforcement officers were responding to complaints about the man keeping and using the dogs in the area when he allegedly became obstructive.
According to officers at the scene, the man untied one of the dogs despite being instructed not to and then set the dog on officers.
He was subsequently arrested.
Officers said that even while handcuffed, he continued to incite the dogs and attempted to run back into the car.
Three dogs seized and taken into SPCA care
After assessing the animals and their living conditions, the SPCA decided to seize all three dogs.
“Previous warnings had not resulted in a lasting improvement,” commented Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “Allowing the dogs to remain under the same circumstances was therefore not an acceptable option.”
The dogs have been taken into the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for assessment and treatment.
Criminal charges relating to animal cruelty in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 have also been laid.
The owner reportedly told authorities that he was using the dogs to guard the vehicle and his property.
Responding to this, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said: “Whatever purpose an animal is being kept for, its basic welfare needs remain protected by law. Dogs cannot simply be tethered to a fence for extended periods or confined to filthy and unsuitable conditions because they are being used for security.”
The SPCA thanked City Law Enforcement for assisting in ensuring the dogs’ welfare was addressed.
It also urged members of the public who witness animal cruelty, neglect or improper tethering to report it to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
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