Help keep Inspectors on the road
Inspector Jeffrey Mfini obtained a court order to confiscate poultry from an illegal hawker earlier today. This following failed attempts to educate the perpetrators on humane handling, transportation and safekeeping of their chickens.
Several warnings issued, seeking to remedy the contraventions in terms of the Animal Protection Act, fell on deaf ears and were ignored. Cape of Good Hope SPCA supported by Cape Town Law Enforcement removed the chickens from an informal trader in Masiphumelele this afternoon, Masiphumelele is a township on the Cape Peninsula, situated between Kommetjie, Capri Village and Noordhoek.
On arrival, Inspectors and Law Enforcement officials found more than a 100 chickens held in overcrowded crates without access to food, water or shade. Several of the chickens were found already dead on arrival others still alive, however, severely dehydrated and beyond saving, some needed to be humanely euthanized.
Despite the tremendous loss of life and prolonged suffering, Inspectors managed to save a large number of the chickens with emergency intervention on-site. Those still viable were rescued and immediately transported to our animal hospital in Grassy Park for veterinary treatment.
Illegal to trade without a permit
The sale of animals is now illegal per the new Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021, recently introduced by the City of Cape Town. It is illegal to trade animals without a permit. Cape of Good Hope SPCA is pursuing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the illegal sale of animals in terms of the Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse stated “Regardless whether these chickens were destined for consumption or subsistence farming, no one has the right to subject any animal to cruelty. We care about all animals, no matter the species”.
Complying with Inspectors key
Individuals or businesses in receipt of a warning issued by an Inspector should err on the side of caution. Many continue to underestimate the powers of the SPCA and its inspectors. Their powers in some cases far exceed confiscation in terms of section 8 read together with regulation 468. Inspectors can make arrests and in certain situations gain access to property without the requirement of a warrant.
Report Cruelty
Confidential cruelty reports can be made online at https://capespca.co.za/report-cruelty/ by email to inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za or by telephone during office hours at 0217004158/9. Cruelty reports after hours can be made on 0833261604.
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