Kempton Park SPCA rescues dogs from roadside seller

The Kempton Park SPCA has rescued several dogs after responding to reports of puppies being sold alongside the road near Serengeti Estate on October 19.

According to SPCA Senior Inspector Duàn Coetzee, the organisation’s inspectorate had received numerous complaints from members of the public over several weeks about a man selling puppies and the condition of the dogs in his care.

The complaints included reports of severely underweight dogs, injuries and other animal welfare concerns.

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“Our inspectors have made several attempts to locate and engage with the owner. Unfortunately, on previous occasions, whenever our team approached, the man would flee into the surrounding veld with his dogs, making it extremely difficult for us to intervene,” said Coetzee.

Following further reports that puppies were again being sold alongside the road, and allegations that the dogs had been used for illegal hunting earlier that morning, the inspectorate responded on October 19.

Coetzee said inspectors found several animals in distress, with visible wounds and injuries. Some were infested with ticks, while others were heavily pregnant. One dog also showed signs of a potentially serious cancerous condition.

During their engagement with the owner, he reportedly acknowledged that he could not afford to feed all the dogs or provide the veterinary treatment they needed. He subsequently agreed to voluntarily surrender some of the animals to the SPCA.

However, Coetzee said the rescue operation was disrupted when a man who identified himself as a resident of Serengeti Estate allegedly confronted the inspectors while they were loading the surrendered dogs.

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The man reportedly shouted at the inspectors and attempted to prevent the animals from being taken into their care.
Coetzee said the individual continued to defend the owner despite the concerns raised about the dogs’ condition and the allegations of illegal hunting and roadside puppy sales.

The SPCA expressed concern about people defending animal owners without also considering the welfare of the animals in their care.

“It is easy to stand alongside someone and defend their actions. But supporting a person should never mean ignoring the suffering of the animals in their care,” said Coetzee.

He emphasised that the Inspectorate’s responsibility was to investigate complaints, uphold animal welfare legislation and protect animals from unnecessary suffering.

“No individual has the right to unlawfully obstruct our inspectors while they are performing their lawful duties,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, the team remained focused on the rescue. Coetzee confirmed that the surrendered dogs are now in the care of the Kempton Park SPCA, where their medical and welfare needs can be assessed and addressed.

The dogs are under quarantine and will be considered for adoption once they have completed the necessary assessments and are ready.

Coetzee thanked members of the public who continued reporting the animals, saying their persistence had helped the SPCA reach them.

The organisation is appealing to the community for donations to help cover veterinary treatment and the ongoing care of the rescued dogs, as well as its wider inspectorate rescue efforts.

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“Animals cannot speak for themselves. But we can – and we will,” said Coetzee.How to support the rescue
Donations can be made to:
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account name: Kempton Park SPCA
Account number: 62131466965
Branch code: 250655
Reference: INSPECTORATE
Every contribution will help towards the animals’ recovery and the SPCA’s ongoing rescue work.