SPCA rescues donkey and 24 dogs from cruelty in Cape Town
Wilbur, the donkey from Mamre, was rescued after being forced to carry four men, leading to charges against his owners for animal cruelty.
Image: Screenshot
A donkey named Wilbur from Mamre was rescued after being forced to carry four men simultaneously, a situation that has led to charges against his owners at the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court.
A video of Wilbur plodding down the street with four men on his back went viral last week, and the SPCA stepped in.
With the help of Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, agents tracked down Wilbur to an address. But upon arrival, they were refused entry.
By the time we obtained a warrant from the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court and returned to the property, the donkey was gone.
With the assistance of Atlantis SAPS and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit, the owner was arrested for concealing an animal from an SPCA Inspector; a criminal offence under the Animals Protection Act. Further cruelty charges are expected to follow.
The next day, the donkey was surrendered to the SPCA.
In a separate case, 24 dogs were rescued from an illegal breeding operation in Dunoon on Tuesday.
SPCA inspectors executed a warrant at the Dunoon property after previous warnings relating to the animals’ welfare were allegedly ignored.
Inspectors found adult dogs crammed into makeshift cages made of corrugated sheeting, broken plastic, and bent wire. Several animals appeared emaciated and were living among faeces and stagnant water.
Inspectors stated that the animals were believed to have been repeatedly bred for the purpose of selling puppies.
During the operation, inspectors discovered a critically ill puppy actively convulsing and rushed the animal to a nearby veterinary practice for emergency treatment.
“Despite every effort, she couldn’t be saved,” the organisation said.
The remaining dogs were removed from the property and transported to the SPCA for veterinary treatment, monitoring, and rehabilitation.
Hours after the rescue operation concluded, the convoy was travelling back along the M5 with the rescued animals when inspectors spotted a schoolboy in medical need near the roadside.
Inspector Rudi Philander, a qualified paramedic, stopped and began treating the child while emergency medical services were contacted.
RESCUED: 24 dogs Dunoon
Image: Cape of Good Hope SPCA