Local SPCA confiscates 41 dogs from elderly couple

The Boksburg SPCA in collaboration with the Springs SPCA confiscated 37 Yorkshire Terriers and four toy Pomeranians from an elderly couple’s house in Springs.

This comes after complaints about a number of neglected animals living inside the house.

According to Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore, this resulted in the SPCA obtaining a court order to enter the residence to inspect after several notices were issued at the property.

Finnemore said when the inspectors checked the house, they found many dogs that were living in a filthy state inside the house.

“Animals were kept in bedrooms, bathrooms and even in the kitchen. They were infested with parasites and some were left to live in their own faecal and urine.”

Finnemore said many of the animals appeared to have not been groomed in years.

“Toy Pomeranians are dogs with long fur and should be professionally groomed at least once a month. Matted fur can lead to severe medical conditions such as bacterial infections, as it traps moisture that can cause damage to the skin.”

The SPCA manager stated that fleas and ticks can live deep in the matted hair. “Mats around the hind end cause an accumulation of faeces which results in flies laying eggs in the animal’s fur,” she said.

The confiscated dogs were taken to the Boksburg SPCA to be treated for various health conditions.

Finnemore said the SPCA still needs to collect all their evidence before they lay the charges.