Sophiatown police officers escorted SPCA representatives to an Albertville property to remove five allegedly maltreated dogs on 3 July.
“Following recent events and the death of two puppies on the premises we’re taking action to take these dogs away,” the SPCA inspector on the scene said.
“This has been going on for a few years. The SPCA has been here many times. We’ve been trying to reason with this guy (the dog owner.) But we’ve removed the dogs now, and the owners may be charged with animal cruelty.”
The dogs were allegedly kept on chains 24 hours a day. After the incident where puppies were killed by the larger dogs, SPCA Johannesburg intervened.
Five dogs in total taken were into SPCA custody: two big pitbull crossbreeds, a pitbull cross-puppy and two smaller dogs
“It’s an offense to chain dogs and the public needs to know that. And we’ve got evidence that these animals have been mistreated, video evidence. We suspect that they’re being bred and trained for dog fights, but that won’t be proved until the court case,” the SPCA inspector said.
“There was a court order to remove the dogs from their owners,” Sophiatown police spokesperson warrant officer TJ de Bruyn said.
“We were only here (at the scene) to check that everything is fine; we’re just keeping the neighbourhood peace. The police will get involved if this case goes to court.”
“Obviously I’m very upset. I did what the SPCA asked me to do and got rid of two dogs. Now they’ve taken away all five. But I’m a registered breeder. I’ll get more dogs. Even tonight, I’ll get more dogs,” the owner of the dogs said.
The dogs will be looked after by the SPCA until the matter is resolved.
“They might be sterilised, and will then be placed into good foster homes. They’re fine now. At least the dogs are out of his possession,” the SPCA inspector said.
