‘Worst case’ of animal cruelty discovered

IN what is said to be one of the worst cases of animal cruelty officials have seen, more than 160 cats, dogs and pigs were found living in horrific conditions at a small holding in Craigieburn recently.

Many of the animals have already been euthanised.

Tracey Girling, from the SPCA in Amanzimtoti, said they had received a complaint from a resident in Craigieburn that a middle-aged woman was living with all the animals on her property.

Inspectors went to investigate and were shocked at what they found.

Animals were found in drawers, on shelves, down manholes, in the bushes and some were feral and vicious.

“My inspectors saw animals living in horrific, inhumane conditions. They removed 19 animals immediately and they were in such terrible condition that they had to be euthanised.

“On the second visit, conditions had not changed and a further 14 animals were removed.

“On our third visit, the health inspector accompanied us and it was evident that nothing had been done to improve living conditions and another seven were removed,” said Ms Girling.

“We then obtained a warrant to remove the rest of the animals from the property last Wednesday, with the help of the Durban and Coast SPCA Inspectors and vet.

“To date 161 animals have been removed from the property and we will be opening a case of cruelty in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.”

This legislation empowers courts to impose sentences of up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of R60 000.