A criminal case has been opened against a man suspected of abusing dogs at an abandoned property on the corner of Third and North roads in Cloverdene.

Residents living near the property have expressed shock and concern following allegations that the man, who is believed to be mentally unwell, has been abusing and killing dogs at the premises.

Annie Jungmann of The Animal Guardians (TAG) confirmed that the organisation opened a case of animal cruelty and bestiality at the Crystal Park Police Station on July 13 in connection with incidents allegedly taking place at the property.

In the latest reported incident, a one-year-old dog, now named Nia, was rescued from the property. The dog has since been placed in TAG’s care and is reportedly adapting well.

WATCH: Resident describes shocking conditions:
In this video, resident Kerrin Moore speaks about the deteriorating conditions at the abandoned property, highlighting the piles of rubbish, the dilapidated building and the impact it is having on the surrounding community. She also shares residents’ concerns regarding the allegations of animal cruelty linked to the property.

Jungmann said police were provided with photographs and veterinary reports that may serve as key evidence in the investigation. However, she declined to disclose details of the reports, saying doing so at this stage could jeopardise the investigation.

Although a criminal case has been opened, the suspect, who is reportedly originally from the nearby Chief Albert Luthuli township, had not been arrested at the time of publication, according to TAG.

Jungmann said TAG first responded to reports of animal cruelty at the property in early January. The suspect was arrested but was later taken to hospital for assessment. She said he was reportedly found to be mentally unstable, after which the case was withdrawn.

Neighbours voice frustration
The Benoni City Times recently visited the property and found it to be in a severely dilapidated condition.

The site was littered with rubbish, the building was in disrepair, and a strong foul odour emanated from the premises.

Neighbours alleged that the man, who has been occupying the abandoned property, has repeatedly abused animals.

They claim they have reported the incidents to the relevant authorities on numerous occasions but are dissatisfied with what they describe as a lack of effective intervention, alleging previous cases have failed to result in a lasting resolution.

Distressing
Resident Kerrin Moore, who lives opposite the property, said residents first noticed the man occupying the abandoned house earlier this year.

“Security companies were called and removed him from the property. They also rescued three dogs that had allegedly been tied up inside,” she said.

Moore said residents again contacted security on July 9 after hearing a dog barking from inside the property.

“They rescued another dog that had allegedly been tied to a mattress, and we were told there were carcasses of dead dogs inside,” she said.

Describing the situation as distressing, Moore said residents fear for their safety as well as the welfare of animals.

“It feels like nothing is being done. The property is a mess, the man comes and goes, and we’re worried. We don’t know where the dogs are coming from, but someone needs to take responsibility.”

She added that she believes the man requires professional medical care and questioned why police allegedly did not respond to the latest incident despite being notified.

“TAG, the SPCA and security companies were here, but the police did not arrive. It feels as though animal cruelty is not being taken seriously.”

Moore said many families in the neighbourhood own pets and have young children, making the allegations particularly concerning.

Residents have also called for urgent intervention to address the abandoned property, which they say has become an eyesore, a health hazard and a target for vandals.

According to information gathered by the Benoni City Times, the property’s elderly owner died several years ago, after which the house was left vacant.

At the time of publication, comment from Crystal Park SAPS and the property owner’s family was being sought.

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