Animal hoarding: Cape SPCA removes 16 dogs from unsanitary property

Sixteen dogs have been removed from a crowded and unsanitary property in Cape Town.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA was able to move the animals to safety after a warrant was issued in terms of the Animals Protection Act.

When a complaint was first received weeks before about possible hoarding at a property in Balvenie in Elsie's River, what followed was a pattern they know all too well: Too many animals, too little care, and complete disregard for the law.

The property itself resembled a storage site rather than a home fit for animals, the welfare group said.

"The yard was filled with rubble, debris and rotting matter. The environment was unsanitary. Dogs were forced to lie on and between piles of rubble. Water, where present, was dirty." 

Sixteen dogs were ultimately found on the premises, quadruple the legal limit. On top of that, none had been sterilised, which is a further contravention of the by-law. This directly contributes to uncontrolled breeding and suffering, the SPCA notes.

After repeated notices and warnings were ignored, with the owners afforded time to clean the property, reduce the number of animals, and seek veterinary care, the organisation applied for the warrant.

When it was granted, SPCA inspectors accompanied by officers from the City's Animal Control Unit, moved in.

All animals on the property, including two goldfish, were seized and are now in proper care.

The organisation emphasized that this was not about punishment but about protection.

"Animal hoarding is not compassion. It creates suffering, not rescue. When animals are kept in excessive numbers, without sterilisation, in dirty and unsafe conditions, the result is predictable: disease, parasites, stress, and long-term welfare compromise."

The SPCA urges members of the public to report suspected animal cruelty or hoarding in their area, saying that early intervention can prevent situations like this from escalating.

Contact Details:

Phone: 021 700 4140; after hours 083 326 1604

Email: info@capespca.co.za

Website: capespca.co.za