Kempton Park SPCA removes three dogs amid ongoing welfare concerns

The Kempton Park SPCA again removed dogs from a man believed to be unfit to care for animals.

On November 15, SPCA inspectors, assisted by local security companies, the SAPS and community members, confiscated three dogs from the man at the intersection of Rietfontein and Jacobus roads.

The intervention followed complaints from Glen Marais residents concerned about the animals’ safety and the man’s ability to care for them.

Kempton Park SPCA manager Richman Xolile Sibande said this was not the first time they had dealt with the man.

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“In June, we took dogs from him, and even before I joined the SPCA, my colleagues had removed animals from him,” he said.

“He was recently seen with four dogs. When we arrived, we removed three because the fourth ran off during the commotion. The challenge is that this person is not of sound mind, and chances are he will return within a week or two with more dogs.”

Sibande said community members in the area claim the man often takes dogs belonging to neighbours or other residents, and that some people in town may be unintentionally enabling the situation by giving him dog food.

“He now uses the dogs to beg, which is a problem. We are not saying he may not have animals, but the minute abuse is involved, it becomes our concern.

“When we received the most recent complaint, it was reported that he had kicked one of the dogs,” he said.

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A Glen Marais resident, who initially sounded the alarm and asked to remain anonymous, said the dogs were frequently seen without shelter, food or water, and appeared to be in poor condition.

She also reported seeing at least one injured dog and recalled witnessing two dogs fighting on the pavement while the man made no attempt to intervene.

“This cannot continue,” she said.

However, not all community members share the same view.

Linda Howell said she has seen the man with his dogs for nearly two years and believes he cares for them.

“This gentleman feeds and cares for the dogs. They’re his companions. They are no disturbance to anyone and follow him without issues,” she said.

Howell recalled approaching the dogs on several occasions without any sign of aggression.

“On November 15, at the intersection, there was an SPCA truck, staff and two police vans.

“The dogs were distressed, running into the road trying to get to their owner, who was also stressed. When I asked a police officer what was happening, he said they were removing the dogs because they were dangerous and a threat to the community.”

She said she believed the action was prompted by “selfish, interfering members of the public” and insisted she had never experienced problems with the man or the animals.

The SPCA confirmed that the dogs remain in its care.

Sibande said the man does not legally own the animals, and it is unclear whether anyone will come forward to claim them.

He said the dogs were taken for veterinary treatment and were found to have many old and recent scars believed to be from abuse and dog fights.
They were also infested with external parasites and not in good physical condition.