A female Cape Town teacher is facing criminal charges after a rescue mission led by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA removed 16 severely neglected and malnourished animals from her care.
The woman has been charged under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
CAPE TOWN TEACHER BEHIND ANIMAL HOUSE OF HORRORS
This week, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA reported the findings of a Phillipi home inspection, during which they removed 16 animals from the care of the property owner, identified as a female teacher from Cape Town.
The SPCA, which had conducted two prior wellness inspections and issued non-compliance warnings to the animal owner, had received a court warrant to access the property. Their mission was supported by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement’s Animal Control Unit.
The team seized 14 dogs, a pig and a bird that were found living in “appalling conditions of neglect”. The animals were reported as underweight, suffering from skin conditions, with parasitic infestations, and untreated wounds. They were left confined in poorly ventilated areas with faeces-covered floors without adequate food and water.
Among the critical cases was a German Shepard with a growth on its back that hindered its mobility, as well as a bird whose feet had been cut off and whose beak had severely overgrown.
Other animals were reportedly found cowering in fear.
According to the SPCA, the owner claimed that the animals were found as part of a self-declared rescue mission.
Image via SPCA
Inspector Jeffrey Mfini shared of the owner: “The animals didn’t ask to be owned by you. You are the one who decided to own those animals. Therefore, it is your responsibility to provide them with their needs. You can’t keep animals that are sick or injured without adequate treatment. Because by doing that, you are causing unnecessary suffering. That simply means you are enjoying the suffering of your animals”.
Of the owner being an educator, Mfini added: “If you are a teacher, your responsibility is to teach children the right things. How do you look after children if you can’t look after animals? Charity begins at home.”
SPCA LAYS CRIMINAL CHARGES
The Good Hope SPCA revealed that it had laid criminal charges against the teacher at the Philippi SAPS in Cape Town.
The woman will be charged under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The act – which was established to prevent animal cruelty – can carry a fine of up to R40 000 or a year’s imprisonment.
