YouTube video causes controversy

THE Durban and Coast SPCA recently confiscated 26 dogs from a Bellair resident, Dianne Ingram, after they had received an anonymous tip off regarding the alleged poor condition of the animals on the property.

Ingram has since claimed that the SPCA used the seizure warrant illegally, claiming they collected five dogs during the initial raid and then returned 15 minutes later to confiscate the rest of the dogs on the property. She has also denied all of the allegations made on a video of the seizure that was posted on YouTube by SA Can. According to Ingram the allegations are “outrageous and completely false.”

One of the allegations made on the video was that there were breeding pens and no shelters, as well as no food or water bowls for the animals. The description below the video clip also claims that Ingram used various aliases to run a puppy breeding scheme. In an interview the SA Can cameraman also claimed that Ingram used the aliases to sell and obtain dogs across the Highway area. He has asked to remain anonymous as he has reportedly received death threats on the video’s comment thread.

Some of the dogs in the video were clearly emaciated, and others had wounds.

Ingram claims to run an animal rescue facility and said that the animals were only in appalling conditions because she rescued them and was rehabilitating them. “My dogs get fed twice a day and there are water bowls all over the property. As for the shelter, my dogs are mostly inside with us, but the garage also provides sleeping space and shelter,” said Ingram. According to Ingram most of her female dogs are spayed. “How can I run a breeding scheme with spayed females?” asked Ingram.

She also claims that SA Can filmed the video illegally, and that they did not tell them what they planned to do with the video. “People have confronted my boyfriend at the shops, and some have even come to our home,” said Ingram. She is building a case against the SPCA and SA Can. In response to Ingram’s claims, the SA Can cameraman said, “The filming was not illegal. They did not ask us to stop filming, and we exercised our right in the interest of the public.”

Caroline Smith, of Durban and Coast SPCA, insisted that the warrant was not used illegally. “The warrant was dated and we used it on the same day,” said Smith.

She also reported that 12 of the seized dogs were diagnosed with biliary, and all of them were diagnosed with hookworm and coccidia. All of the dogs also had severe flea and tick infestations. “The owner has not provided us with any proof that she has been providing the animals with veterinary treatment,” said Smith.

“We are unable to put the dogs up for adoption, as the case is still pending and the owner has not surrendered the animals to the SPCA”, said Smith. Smith could not confirm that there was undeniable proof of a puppy breeding scheme.

Barbara Patrick, manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA, reported that earlier in the year they also confiscated animals from a property in the Upper Highway area, after they received more than one complaint regarding the condition of Ingram’s animals. “After an initial investigation we received a warrant to remove the animals, which included several dogs, pigs and exotic animals,” said Patrick.

Dereck Vijiam, spokesman for Bellair SAPS, confirmed that a case of animal cruelty had been opened at the Bellair police station by Durban and Coast SPCA.