On Friday, 25 October 2024, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, accompanied by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit, seized a total of 63 cats and 8 rabbits from Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome, located in Ruyterwacht, after serious concerns about the animals’ welfare surfaced.
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This intervention was undertaken with a warrant issued by the Goodwood Magistrates Court in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, read together with Regulation 468, following delays in conducting inspections and the concealment of animals from our Inspectors on previous visits.
Inspectors were met with dire conditions upon entry. The facility, meant to be a safe haven, was found grossly inadequate with dirty, overcrowded living spaces. The house, lacking proper light and ventilation, was filled with the overpowering smell of ammonia. Disturbingly, healthy cats were mixed with those showing signs of illness, such as sneezing and eye and nasal discharges. This practice of co-housing healthy and sick animals is highly irresponsible as it increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Rabbits suffered in similarly squalid conditions, confined to dirty cages with no access to clean drinking water. Such conditions are not what is expected standards of a rescue organisation.
The rescued animals were taken to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Hospital for thorough examinations by our veterinary team. Many cats were diagnosed with Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (Snuffles), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). Both FIV and FeLV are incurable and highly contagious diseases that compromise a cat’s immune system, making them susceptible to a wide range of secondary infections, with the end result being a slow and painful death. Infected cats require extensive medical care, isolation from other cats to prevent spread, and a managed environment to maintain their quality of life. Not only is it irresponsible to keep these infected cats with other healthy cats, but it is also highly irresponsible and unethical to rehome cats without confirming their health status for FIV and FeLV, as introducing infected cats into homes with other cats can lead to widespread disease transmission.
The owner of Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome now faces criminal charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Any person found guilty of such offences could face a fine of up to R40,000 per charge and/or 12 months imprisonment per charge, along with receiving a criminal record.
Additionally, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement issued fines for various contraventions in terms of the Animal Keeping By Law, 2021. These contraventions include not being registered with the City as a rescue organisation and keeping an excessive number of animals on the property among other things. These fines are part of the legal repercussions for failing to meet the required care and management standards expected of any animal owner.
Despite Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome’s registration as a Nonprofit Organisation, its failure to comply with essential welfare standards is a stark reminder that not all organisations uphold the required ethics and care. The SPCA urges the public to perform due diligence before supporting animal rescue organisations. Ensuring ethical practices and the proper use of funds is vital for the welfare of the animals and the integrity of the contributions made.
Click here for more helpful tips on how to establish if a rescue organisation is ethical.
The SPCA remains dedicated to protecting animal welfare and relies on public support and vigilance. If you witness any form of animal cruelty or want to report suspicious activities, please contact our Inspectorate Control room at 021 700 4158/9, email inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za, or send a WhatsApp message to 021 700 4140. All reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality.
This rescue operation not only highlights the importance of regulatory compliance by rescue organisations but also, the ongoing need for public awareness and proactive involvement in safeguarding animal welfare.
