Inspectors rescue 16 dogs from hoarding conditions in Balvenie

Sixteen dogs and two fish were seized from a Balvenie property after inspectors executed a court-authorised warrant. A man was arrested and a case has been opened for investigation. 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.

[paywall]

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 theAnimals 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.

[/paywall]