A Fish Hoek hoarder is facing charges of animal cruelty after the Cape of Good Hope SPCA confiscated several animals, including a Macaw from filthy and parasitic conditions.
The owner of the property is allegedly facing animal cruelty charges dating back to 2019 and 2020.
Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said the animals were trapped in a hoarding situation with no access to fresh water.
“The animals at the property in question were trapped in a hoarding situation and kept in filthy, parasitic conditions with no fresh water available.”
She added that it was not the first time the owner of the property was facing animal cruelty charges.
“The Cape of Good Hope SPCA had existing animal cruelty charges levied against the owner of the property, from early 2020 which is currently being heard in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court.
“His animals (were) also confiscated in December 2019 when he resided in Bergvliet.”
Abraham said the animals confiscated in Fish Hoek were found in the same dirty and parasitic conditions.
“A further case of animal cruelty will be opened against the owner in terms of the Animals Protection Act and the Animal Keeping By-Law.”
On Monday 7 February, SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini approached the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court to obtain an order to enter the property in Fish Hoek.
“The inspectors contacted the owners to open the gate which they ignored.
“Inspectors and law enforcement officers had to lift the gate to gain access to the property.”
Abraham said the vet was shocked to see the living conditions of the Macaw and other animals found on the property.
“A strong putrid smell was hanging in the area and the animals were infested with fleas. The food was rotten and dumped on the floor for the animals to eat with no access to fresh water.
“A joint decision was made in the best interest of the animals to have them confiscated in terms of section 8 of the Animals Protection Act.
“The animals are now safely in the care of the SPCA and the Macaw is receiving emergency treatment due to its poor condition.”
She added that the property owner has been warned not to bring any animal into his care pending the outcome of the two cases.
