Livestock owner arrested after ignoring warnings
“According to by-laws and for health reasons enshrined in the SPCA Act, a ‘zoo pet’ is not allowed in a residential area.”
Duduza – Police officers and other personnel removed 20 pigs, three tortoises, three geese, two dogs and 27 chickens from a home in Dlamini Street, Masechaba Section, on Tuesday.
Armed with a court order, officials from the EMPD by-laws unit, the health department and the SPCA took part in a search-and-seizure operation to remove the animals from the residential address.
EMPD acting spokesperson Kobeli Mokheseng says according to by-laws and for health reasons enshrined in the SPCA Act, a “zoo pet” is not allowed in a residential area.
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Mokheseng explains that a zoo pet is where owners have more than one pet/domesticated animal in their home without seeking authorisation from the municipality.
“The 47-year-old male owner of the livestock found on the premises was previously given oral and written warnings from officials for keeping the livestock on his premises in the past four years.
“The man was arrested for defeating the ends of justice and the livestock was confiscated by the local SPCA.
“The suspect was charged at Duduza Police Station and he is expected to appear in the Nigel Magistrate’s Court soon,” he says.
