In a disturbing incident highlighting ongoing animal welfare concerns in urban settings, three dogs were removed from unacceptable living conditions in a vehicle parked on Long Street, Cape Town CBD, on the evening of 18 September 2026, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s rescue operation was prompted by a call from City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers, who discovered the animals during an investigation into complaints about their treatment.
SPCA Inspector Lwazi Ntungele responded to the scene, where he found one dog tethered outside the vehicle and two others confined within. The conditions inside the vehicle were described as ‘extremely poor’, with an ‘extremely filthy’ environment and an overpowering unpleasant odour.
It appears the owner had been using the vehicle as a makeshift home, a situation that the SPCA classifies as wholly inadequate for animal welfare.
The animal welfare organisation said it has dealt with this particular owner on multiple occasions, issuing warnings to rectify the welfare issues surrounding his dogs. Unfortunately, these interventions had previously resulted in temporary disappearances, as the owner would leave the area with the dogs, making follow-ups challenging.
Yet, the persistent complaints from the public led Law Enforcement to once again confront the man, during which he displayed obstructive behaviour and even attempted to untie one dog despite explicit instructions not to do so.
Following his arrest for further unruly conduct, including a hazardous attempt to incite the dogs while in custody, the SPCA was called to provide care for the animals.
After assessing their condition, Inspector Ntungele made the critical decision to seize the dogs, justified by the unacceptable living environment they were subjected to – a motor vehicle is not designed to accommodate the needs of animals requiring space, hygienic conditions, and protection from the elements.
The SPCA noted that despite the owner’s claims of using the dogs for security, their basic welfare needs must be protected by law. Animals cannot be tethered for extended periods or confined to unsanitary conditions regardless of their intended use.
The seizure of the three dogs was deemed necessary after previous warnings failed to yield any lasting improvements in their situation.
The animals are now safely in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, where they will receive the appropriate assessment and treatment.
The organisation is also pursuing criminal charges against the owner relating to animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
