Inspectors rescue 16 dogs from hoarding conditions in Balvenie

A complaint about suspected animal hoarding at a Balvenie property has resulted in the seizure of 16 dogs and two fish, and the arrest of a man during the execution of a court-authorised warrant.

Animal welfare inspectors said they responded to the complaint and found what they described as overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

“From the outset, there were clear signs of hoarding and accumulation,” inspectors said. “The yard was filled with rubble, debris and rotting matter. Space was limited. The environment was unsanitary.”

Officials alleged that dogs were lying on and between piles of rubble and that water available on the property was dirty. “The property itself resembled a storage site rather than a home fit for animals,” they said.

In terms of the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law, a maximum of four dogs is generally permitted on a residential property. Inspectors said they counted 16 dogs on the premises.

“Sixteen dogs were ultimately found on the premises, quadruple the legal limit,” officials said. They further alleged that none of the animals had been sterilised, which they described as a contravention of the by-law.

According to inspectors, repeated notices and warnings were issued to the owners. They said the occupants were instructed to clean the property, reduce the number of animals and obtain veterinary care, and were given time to comply.

“They were told exactly what was required to comply,” officials said. “Those instructions were ignored.”

Inspectors said follow-up visits indicated that conditions had not materially improved.

Inspector Lee Prins subsequently approached the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court for a warrant in terms of the Animals Protection Act. The warrant was granted.

Inspectors, accompanied by the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit, executed the warrant at the property.

During a final sweep of the house, inspectors alleged they discovered the owner’s father hiding underneath a bed while holding a puppy, in what officials described as an attempt to conceal the animal from authorities.

Officials said concealing an animal during the execution of a lawful warrant constitutes an offence under Section 8(4) of the Animals Protection Act. The man was arrested at the scene and transported to Elsies River SAPS. A criminal case has been opened and is under investigation.

In addition to the dogs, inspectors said two fish were found in what they described as an extremely dirty tank. The fish were also removed.

All animals were seized and are now in the care of the SPCA, where they are receiving veterinary assessment and treatment.

Officials emphasised that removal of animals is considered a last resort and follows attempts at voluntary compliance.

“Let us be clear: this was not about punishment. It was about protection,” inspectors said.

“Animal hoarding is not compassion. It is control without care. It creates suffering, not rescue.”

The property owners were contacted for comment and had not responded by 4pm.

Residents who suspect animal cruelty or hoarding are encouraged to report concerns to the relevant authorities to enable early intervention.

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Cape Argus