On Saturday, 22 January, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded to a call after midday regarding an adult female and a minor that were selling puppies in the blazing sun without access to water or shade.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the sale of animals is now illegal as per the new Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021 that was recently introduced by the City of Cape Town.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA contacted Law Enforcement for assistance with Inspector Morris and his Law Enforcement team arriving on the scene just minutes later.
Chief Inspector, Jaco Pieterse seized the puppies and they are currently at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA hospital under the care of their veterinary staff. The puppies were examined, hydrated, fed and vaccinated before being placed in a cool kennel to recover from their heated ordeal.
The adult female was taken into custody on charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the illegal sale of animals in terms of the Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021. The suspect was taken to the Cape Town CBD police station for processing, while the Department of Social Development was called to oversee the safety of the minor.
Chief Inspector, Pieterse convinced the puppy seller to sterilise her two adult dogs, who produced the litter to avoid any future reoccurrence. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA team went into Manenberg to fetch and admit her dogs to the SPCA Grassy Park hospital for sterilisation.
“We urge the public not to buy puppies from hawkers. This is not only illegal, but encourages this illegal trade”, says Chief Inspector, Jaco Pieterse. The puppies will be monitored over the next week to ensure their health and wellbeing.
If you would like to report any animal cruelty: they can be made online at https://capespca.co.za/report-cruelty or email [email protected] or by telephone during office hours at 021 700 4158/9. Cruelty reports after hours can be made on 083 326 1604.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA