A 69-year-old man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after two dogs were found dead at a property in Factreton, Cape Town, following an investigation by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The discovery was made on Thursday, 5 November, after a witness reportedly heard a dog crying inside a water tank and offered to take the animal to safety. According to the witness’s account, the offer was refused.
The man is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, 6 November.
Witness raises alarm after hearing dog crying
According to the SPCA, the witness found a dog alive and distressed inside a green JoJo water tank.
When the witness approached a man at the property, he allegedly explained that the dog had been placed inside because it kept stealing food.
The witness offered to take the animal away, but the man allegedly refused and instructed them to leave it there.
An urgent call for assistance was subsequently made to the SPCA.
Two dogs discovered during property inspection
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA received the complaint at approximately 15:00 on Thursday. An inspector who attended the property was initially refused entry and requested assistance from the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit.
Officers eventually gained access with the property owner’s permission.
During the investigation, the man reportedly told SPCA Inspector Siviwe Noko that both dogs had been sick and that he had placed them inside the tank to bathe them. He also indicated where one of the animals had been buried.
Officers found a black-and-brown dog beneath a tree, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black plastic bag.
A second dog, described as a small tan-and-black mixed breed, was recovered from the water tank. The animal was found floating dead in the water.
Man arrested as SPCA investigates
The 69-year-old was arrested and taken to Kensington SAPS, where he was charged with animal cruelty.
The SPCA took custody of both dogs’ bodies for post-mortem examinations and further investigation.
His court appearance is expected to take place at the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 6 November.
SPCA encourages residents to report animal cruelty
Following the incident, the SPCA has urged members of the public to report suspected animal suffering without delay.
Anyone reporting an incident should provide the exact location, details of what they witnessed or heard, when it happened and whether the animal is still in immediate danger.
Animal cruelty can be reported to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA through the following channels:
- Office hours: 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159.
- After-hours emergencies: 083 326 1604.
- Online: Through the SPCA’s official website.
The organisation reminds residents not to assume that someone else has already reported an animal in distress.
The case remains subject to further investigation and court proceedings.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
