Following several warnings, inspectors of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, together with the SA Police Service (SAPS), confiscated a German shepherd dog from the private residence of a law enforcement officer on Monday, 5 February.
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According to the SPCA, the dog’s living environment was full of dog excrement and was without potable drinking water and adequate shelter.
The animal organisation said that several warnings were handed to the law enforcement officer to improve the dog’s living conditions, but to no avail.
The owner had also, on previous inspections, attempted to misuse his authority as a law enforcement officer to intimidate the SPCA inspector into divulging details about the complainant.
‘No one is above the law, regardless of your position. The SPCA will always act in the best interests of all animals and we will not be bullied into not doing our job,’ said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
To rescue the dog, SPCA inspectors were forced to obtain a court order from Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates’ Court after the officer denied the inspectors access to the residence.
The animal organisation expressed that the officer’s disregard for the law is saddening.
In addition to violating the Animal Protect Act 71 of 1962, the law enforcement officer’s actions also breached the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-Law and Environmental Health By-Law.
‘Law enforcement officers have a responsibility to not only enforce the law but also to uphold it themselves and set a positive example for the community,’ added Pieterse.
The law enforcement officer now faces charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animal Protection Act.
The German shepherd was successfully rescued from the premises and has been taken into the care of the SPCA until the matter is concluded by the court.
Subsequently, the SPCA lodged a formal complaint with the office of MMC for safety and security, JP Smith, as well as with the chief of law enforcement.
Pieterse emphasised that the SPCA will, under no circumstances, give out details of any complaint unless ordered by the court to do so.
‘Animal cruelty can be reported with confidence,’ said Pieterse.
‘The SPCA will always protect those who choose to speak up for animals and the law will be on your side too.’
Residents are urged to report incidents of animal cruelty by contacting the SPCA inspectorate at 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159 during office hours and at 083 326 1604 for after-hours emergencies. Incidents can also be reported online with this form.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
