SPCA confiscate several animals in cages
The Benoni SPCA paid an unexpected visit to a home in the Benoni Agricultural Holdings on Thursday (May 12), with a warrant and police escorts to remove animals that were living in cages.
A total of 49 animals, including dogs, birds, a chicken and a pig were removed from the cages on the plot.
“We received a complaint on Monday (May 9), from a community member about possible animal cruelty,” said senior inspector, Vicky Finnemore.
“On Wednesday, at 10am, we visited the plot to issue a 24-hour warning for the owners to take the ill animals to a veterinarian.
“However, when we visited the plot again, after 10am on Thursday, the animals had not been taken to the vet, so we removed them.”
Since the animals were placed in the care of the SPCA, several were taken to a vet on Friday (May 13) and they will continue going until all are tended to.
When removing the six-month-old pig, the SPCA members were told her hind leg was hurt but she was not taken to the vet because it did not seem like she was in pain.
“The pig was taken to a vet on Friday (May 13) and she was suffering from a dislocated hip,” Finnemore said.
“Unfortunately, she had to be put down.”
The pig was not the only animal that was put down, a fox terrier was also euthanised after receiving medical attention.
The owners of the animals denied any claim of animal cruelty.
“The animals are here for our safety,” said the home owner, who chose not to be named.
According to the owner’s daughter, the animals were placed in cages for their own protection.
“The dogs need to bark if someone enters our yard,” she said.
“But criminals poison the dogs, so for their safety, we put them in cages.”
The family claimed to have taken the dogs out of their cages for a daily walk.
“We also feed them pap, meat and dog food,” she said.
The Cornish hen and one of the cross-breed dogs which were removed belong to a family relation, who wants them back.
“I am unhappy that the SPCA took my dog and my chicken,” he said.
“Every week I put 15 chickens into the henhouse for the owner to sell, because she is a pensioner.
“But my dog did not live in the cage, he just ran into the cage when it was opened by the SPCA.”
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Finnemore provided a list of rights that each animal is entitled to:
•Freedom from hunger and thirst.
•Freedom from discomfort.
•Freedom from pain, injury and disease.
•Freedom to express normal behaviour.
•Freedom from fear and distress.
