West Rand pet farm not prosecuted – yet

Not enough hard evidence and serious criminal incidents have been recorded to take the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm to court quite yet, according to the Roodepoort SPCA.

This follows the Record’s recent reports of residents complaining about the never-improving conditions that animals suffer at the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm.

Previous Record investigations revealed that the animals were indeed suffering horrific conditions including lack of food, warmth and no protection from the elements. All of the evidence from previous and current investigations are on record at the Record offices. Residents also have been sending in photographic evidence and complaints.

“I have been investigating this case since January 2013. The owner has been cooperating with us on all complaints that were communicated,” said Mandy Cattanach, Roodepoort SPCA manager and spokesperson.

According to comment received from Cattanach in April this year regarding a previous complaint, the same cooperation was taking place, “to see if better practices can be achieved”.

Cattanach was questioned about the cooperation, with the general argument that nothing has improved since the SPCA has started dealing with the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm.

“This is an ongoing investigation and I simply cannot take this owner to court following minor breaches of the law.

“Should I do that, it might just jeopardise our case against him.

“I have to follow procedure and gather as much evidence of his wrongdoing as possible to build a stronger portfolio and case against him.