Disclaimer: The contents of this article may be distressing to some readers.
In its most recent and largest intervention yet, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA seized a total of 163 dogs and 29 tortoises from a registered ‘animal shelter’ outside Atlantis, raising the alarm on the prevalence of animal cruelty within what should be safe havens for animals in need, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The rescue operation in Atlantis is one of four shocking incidents involving animal neglect and harm within NPOs soliciting public donations that the SPCA successfully intervened in since August 2024.
According to the animal welfare organisation, 31 dogs – who were in dire need of urgent care – were removed from HAWK Riverlands under a court order, while the facility was ordered to reduce overcrowding.
In October 2024, 63 cats and eight rabbits were seized from Kitty Rescue & Rehome in Ruyterwacht due to severe welfare concerns.
Moving on to 2025, the SPCA confiscated 16 sick cats and five rabbits with severely overgrown nails and teeth after raiding the home of a rescuer in Wynberg in February.
Behind closed doors at Mahanaimfeet ‘Sanctuary’
Promoting itself as a sanctuary for retired pets and an animal rescue shelter, the inspection led by the SPCA and City of Cape Town law enforcement officers last Thursday revealed a horrifying contrast:
- Dogs left in agony: Severe skin conditions, flea infestations, untreated medical issues, including a lame dog with open sores dragging himself and a dog with a burst tumour.
- Suffering in silence: Matted fur, overgrown nails, dental disease and many other indications of severe neglect.
- Illegal wildlife captivity: 29 tortoises starved, covered in ticks and surrounded by the remains of dead tortoises.
The SPCA seized the most critical cases immediately, and on a follow-up inspection conducted on Tuesday, 11 March, 75 more dogs were removed from the premises.
According to the SPCA, the facility owner, Mr Ockert Kruger, and his family allegedly attempted to hide dogs from the inspectors. This, however, ultimately led to his arrest for obstruction and animal cruelty.
To make matters worse, this incident is not Mr Kruger’s first encounter with the SPCA or the law, the animal organisation reported.
‘It appears to be a repeating cycle of renting properties, accumulating debt and evading eviction – all while using the animals as a source of income,’ said SPCA.
In 2018, the Swellendam SPCA seized several horses from him under similar conditions. Kruger, however, continued operating despite that court case remaining unresolved.
‘The SPCA is taking legal action to stop Mr Kruger from acquiring more animals while court proceedings are underway,’ said SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, who added that without regulation and accountability, animal cruelty will continue unwatched.
‘This must be the last time animals suffer at his hands.’
In its efforts to make this a reality, the SPCA said it is spearheading changes to the City By-Laws to facilitate regulation and oversight of the animal rescue sector in collaboration with the authorities.
Those who wish to contribute to their fight can donate here.
Also read:
SPCA warns of growing dog fighting ring crisis amidst crackdown
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
