National Coloured Congress leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams is facing animal cruelty charges following an investigation into the conditions in which animals were kept at his property, including an African Grey parrot that the SPCA said showed signs of neglect.
As detailed by the Cape Times, Adams appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on 8 October. He is expected to return to court on 22 November for plea and trial proceedings.
The case stems from an investigation that began in April 2024, when the Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded to concerns about the living conditions of dogs on the property.
During the inspection, an inspector also noticed a caged African Grey parrot that appeared to be neglected.
The SPCA said the bird had severe feather loss, prompting inspectors to issue a written warning for it to be examined by a veterinarian specialising in exotic birds.
Adams complied with the initial request, and a veterinarian provided recommendations intended to improve the bird’s condition and reduce its stress.
However, the organisation said subsequent attempts to conduct follow-up inspections were unsuccessful. It alleged that Adams accused inspectors of harassment and refused them access to the property.
The SPCA said that, during discussions about a further inspection, Adams warned an inspector to ‘tread very carefully’. Inspectors were allegedly denied access again when they returned at the agreed time.
After encountering resistance, the SPCA approached the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court and obtained an order on 2 July 2024 to facilitate an inspection under the relevant provisions of the Animals Protection Act.
Inspectors later returned to the property accompanied by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In its account of the operation, the SPCA said: ‘The owner was informed of the court order but responded with threats, claiming the Inspectors “do not know who they are dealing with.” Despite this, our team proceeded with the inspection.’
The parrot was subsequently confiscated and taken to an avian and exotic veterinarian for further assessment.
The SPCA said the veterinarian concluded that keeping the bird in those conditions was inhumane and that it would continue to suffer without treatment.
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