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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
SPCA to investigate Tshwane man who threatened to beat dog
The Tshwane division of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is investigating a viral clip of a man threatening to beat his dog. In a clip posted on X, user @pookiepolls posted a clip filmed by a Johannesburg man who had raised concerns about his neighbour, who had threatened to beat his dog. The neighbour launched a profanity-filled rant in response. He said, 'How is it any of your business? It's not your dog….When you hear my dog screaming next time, you shut your mouth! I'm going to go there and beat it again, because it's my business, it's my dog.' The clip has been widely shared on the X platform, and many South Africans have raised concerns about the animal's welfare. The NSPCA responded to several X posts stating that the Tshwane branch would investigate the man. The SPCA has repeatedly warned the public that animal abusers can be criminally charged under the Animals Protection Act (APA) 71 of 1962. The act – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment. Offenders can also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction. According to the SPCA, the APA makes provisions for individuals who also infuriate or terrify animals. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-07-2025
- The South African
Foreigners arrested after R54 million Goodwood heroin and tik drug bust
Two foreign nationals are expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate's Court on Tuesday after police seized a total of R54.3 million worth of drugs over the weekend. Western Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, said the bust comes after an intelligence-driven operation in the area. Members attached to Operation Restore operationalised information which led them to a residence situated at Molteno Street in Goodwood where they initiated a search of the premises. During the search the members discovered and seized 6kg of heroin which was found in a cupboard in one of the rooms. The occupant of the room, a 32-year-old, Tanzanian national, was arrested and charged for dealing in Heroin with an estimated street value of almost R1 million. The members extended the search to another bedroom where they found 100 grams of heroin which led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Burundi national for the possession of drugs. While processing the suspects, the members received further information of more drugs hidden at the residence. The members expanded the search, leading to the discovery of 145kg of tik and 16kg of heroin found in the roof of the residence. The estimated street value is R53.3 million, bringing the total value of the discovery to R54.3 million. The provincial commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt Gen (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, praised the members for their dedication in efforts to rid the Western Cape streets of the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- IOL News
Animal welfare groups demand justice for Chacma baboon slaughter in Cape Town
A video of a Chacma baboon slaughtered in Ocean View has been shared on social media. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers A R5,000 reward has been offered for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the brutal killing of an adult Chacma baboon, which was allegedly butchered for human consumption in Ocean View. Disturbing footage of the incident has surfaced on social media, showing the horrific slaughter of the protected species. The video, which began circulating on Monday, was brought to the attention of both the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS SA) and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, sparking urgent investigations by both animal welfare organisations. 'This horrific act is not only inhumane but also illegal,' said AWS SA spokesperson Alan Perrins. 'Chacma baboons are a vulnerable and protected species in South Africa. These intelligent, sentient beings are already under immense pressure from habitat loss, urban encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict. Now, they face yet another threat: barbaric killings for bushmeat.' Perrins confirmed that AWS SA had immediately alerted CapeNature and its counterparts at the SPCA, with early indications pointing to members of the Ocean View community. 'We are combining resources to ensure the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible. Killing or consuming protected wildlife is a criminal offence, and we will pursue this case with the full weight of the law.' Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham confirmed that wildlife inspectors visited Ocean View on Monday as part of a joint operation with the City of Cape Town's Law Enforcement and Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU). 'Our team immediately jumped into action after receiving the footage,' Abraham said. 'We are working closely with the relevant authorities, and our investigation is ongoing. The video is graphic and distressing, and we are determined to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.' The SPCA is offering a R5,000 reward for any information that leads to a successful conviction. Their 24/7 Inspectorate Control Room can be contacted at 021 700 4158 or via confidential WhatsApp at 021 700 4140. AWS SA Senior Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa can also be reached at 021 692 2626, 082 601 1761, or via email at ([email protected])(mailto:[email protected]). Animal rights advocacy group Baboon Matters added its voice to the call for justice, condemning the killing in the strongest terms. 'We were utterly appalled at the reprehensible killing of a baboon as detailed in the CGHSPCA post,' said Baboon Matters founder Jenni Trethowan. 'We call on residents who may have witnessed the awful event to please come forward with information – these killers must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Now is the time for the authorities to act cohesively and decisively.' Authorities have urged the public not to share the video due to its graphic content, and instead to report it directly to enforcement officials as part of the ongoing investigation. 'Let us stand together and say NO to cruelty. NO to wildlife crimes. YES to justice,' said Perrins. [email protected]
