SPCA uncovers ‘hell hole’ for 60 birds

Staff from the Lower South Coast SPCA recently removed 60 different birds (various species) and an emaciated dog from a property in Palm Beach.

LSC manager, Mike Davis described the case as ‘horrendous’ and ‘one of the worst investigations the inspectorate team has ever attended to or witnessed’.

Inspector Jacob Maduna and Davis responded to a complaint about the living conditions of indigenous and exotic birds.

“With no answer at the property on our first visit, a notice was left on the gate for the owner to make contact with Maduna. The following day the owner made contact with Maduna and we visited the house,” he said.

Once at the property, four dogs, one cockatoo, two domestic geese and three rabbits were seen.
When the owner was questioned as to whether or not there were any animals kept in the house, they were told there were no other animals on the property.

“We were denied access to the inside of the house. Our suspicions that animals were kept in the house led us to obtaining a warrant to legally enter the property and the house,” said Davis.

A warrant was obtained and the inspectorate team returned to the house later that same day.
But nothing prepared them for what they found inside.

Various species of birds were found kept in plastic cat carriers stacked on top of each other.
Davis said the house is in an appalling state with decaying refuse, bric and brac, clothing, old cat carriers and bird cages scattered and stacked to the ceiling around all the rooms.

“Animal faeces was seen lying all around the house. The smell of old faeces, urine and ammonia was overwhelming,” said Davis.

Some carriers had large species of birds being kept in them – in small, cramped and dirty enclosures.

“A gosling was found in a cardboard shoebox type container with no water or access to food. A brown rat was found confined in a glass tank in a cupboard, also living in dirty and wet conditions,” said Davis.

The team worked late into the night and all the animals were removed from the property and taken to the LSC SPCA.

Thanks were extended to Dr Leon Bruggemann and the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Yellowwood Park, Durban for their immediate assistance.

Many of the birds were taken to CROW where they will be rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitat.

Unfortunately, some of the birds were humanely euthanised due to being injured and severely neglected.
The dog received veterinary care and is recovering at the SPCA.

Davis said a case for prosecution has been opened with the police under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The SPCA is needing assistance with their vehicles (or petrol) so they can respond to cases, if anyone can assist contact Davis on 060 5020427.

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