28 animals confiscated from Escombe home

A local woman has been found hoarding animals despite pending cases of animal cruelty against her.

The Kloof and Highway SPCA reports that on Wednesday, 5 November,  28 animals, consisting of 17 dogs, four cats, two pigs, two rats, two snakes and one mouse were confiscated from a property  the woman is renting in  Escombe.

According to Kloof SPCA, the animals were found to be living in dirty and parasitic conditions, with no access to water. The dogs and cats were infested with external and internal parasites and a number of the animals were in urgent need of veterinary attention. The animals were removed in terms of the Animals Protection Act.

Among the dogs confiscated was a Dachshund with her two puppies who were suffering from hookworm, tape worm, and coccidia.

Both puppies had pale mucous membranes and were extremely thin and lethargic; a juvenile Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a skin condition and hook worm infestation and a pug which was extremely thin and suffering from a very bad skin condition.

“Our staff members were appalled and shocked at the living conditions in which the animals were kept. Some animals were kept in closed rooms and the two pigs were found under a chair covered with dirty laundry in a bedroom,” said Lisa Gadd, PR for Kloof SPCA.

The inspectors immediately gave all the animals water and video footage taken shows how thirsty and dehydrated the animals were as they drank copious amounts of water.

When the landlord was contacted he told the SPCA that the occupant was a local woman with pending cases of animal cruelty against her.

In May 2013, the Kloof and Highway SPCA removed 20 animals from a property she was residing at in Drummond and in November 2013, The Durban and Coast SPCA confiscated 25 animals from a property occupied by her for which she is currently being prosecuted for cruelty to animals. The story was featured on Carte Blanche.

In both cases the same contraventions of the Animals Protection Act were cited and once again the same offences have been committed with more animals suffering.

Cheri Cooke, inspectorate manager appealed to members of the public to report cases of animal hoarding and cruelty to animals to the SPCA.

“ I would like to thank members of the public who make a difference to animals’ lives by reporting cruelty to the SPCA. All complaints are investigated and kept anonymous. As the SPCA we will do anything to prevent any more animals from suffering.”

Barbara Patrick, manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA added, “It was heartbreaking to see the living conditions of all these animals All the animals are being treated by our clinic and will be available for adoption once they are no longer under quarantine and their veterinary treatment is complete.”

The Kloof and Highway SPCA will be opening a case of animal cruelty against the woman.

See Gallery – https://www.citizen.co.za/highway-mail/176658/photos-animals-removed-kloof-spca-escombe-house/