SPCA rescues 30 dogs from filthy conditions
The dogs slept on filthy blankets placed in plastic containers, with dog grime smeared along the walls. Some small dogs hid in a clothing cupboard, seemingly intimidated by the larger dogs.
A disturbing case of animal hoarding has once again highlighted the growing problem of irresponsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences for the animals involved.
The Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA responded to a complaint about a residential property where more than 30 dogs were being kept in poor conditions.
Senior inspectors from the SPCA arrived at the house to investigate.
“The moment we knocked on the gate, the barking was deafening, worse than many kennels we’ve inspected,” said Mandy Cattanach, the manager and senior inspector at the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA.
The owner, who lives with her son, claimed the dogs were not used to men. However, the number of animals on the property far exceeded the four-dog limit allowed by the City of Johannesburg’s municipal by-laws for a residential property.
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Inside, inspectors were hit by a strong smell of bleach mixed with dog urine.
“Bleach had been smeared on the floors, likely in an attempt to mask the stench of faeces and urine,” said Cattanach.
The dogs were running through the bleach, which posed a risk of chemical burns to their paws. Cattanach further explains that the house was chaotic, with dogs barking, fighting, and nipping at each other while the owner shouted at them to stop. Dirty plastic containers filled with food were left out for free feeding, making it impossible to monitor whether all the dogs were eating.
“There was a build-up of urine, faeces, dog hair and other waste covering the floors, walls, and doors. The ammonia from the urine had rotted the wooden doors and corroded the metal door frames.
“The bathroom walls and toilet were smeared with an unidentified substance. The grouting between the floor tiles was wet and sticky with urine. Two pianos had become urine-soaked, and was covered in thick dust.”
Inspectors noted several concerns and the owner admitted she was unable to clean the house and could not bring in help because the dogs would attack anyone trying to assist. The bedding had not been cleaned for months, and the windows were so dirty that light struggled to enter.
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A crossbreed dog had a severe hot spot on its side and inspectors were also concerned about the owner’s safety – if she were to fall while breaking up a dog fight, she would be in danger. The owner claimed several of the dogs had been dumped on her by other animal rescue groups.
“This is unacceptable,” said Cattanach. “People are being taken advantage of by so-called ‘no-kill’ establishments. These groups, who dump animals on unsuspecting individuals, will be held accountable.”
Warnings have been issued for multiple violations of the Animals Protection Act.
“If the Municipal Environmental Health Department did their work, this type of problem would not happen,” Cattanach added.
“They need to enforce the animal by-laws or at least join the SPCA during our inspections and enforce the law.”
