Update: 09 May 2025
Following their arrest on charges of animal cruelty, Mr Jamie Pieterse and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court today for a bail hearing.
After consultation between the State, the accused’s legal representative, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the court granted bail under the following strict conditions:
Jamie Pieterse (Accused 1):
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Bail was set at R5 000 due to his status as a repeat offender.
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He must reside at the address provided to the court and may not relocate without formal court approval.
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He is prohibited from owning, possessing or caring for any animals during the proceedings, except for two cats that are legally owned by his father.
Marizelle Swanepoel (Accused 2):
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Bail was set at R800.
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She is subject to the same conditions imposed on Pieterse.
Although the State had no legal grounds to oppose bail, the imposed conditions are considered essential to safeguard animal welfare. Any violation of these conditions may result in the revocation of bail and additional legal consequences.
The case has been postponed to 3 September 2025 to allow the State to finalise its investigation.
During the proceedings, the legal representative of the accused acted in an extremely inappropriate and unethical manner. In full view of the courtroom, the attorney instructed the accused’s father to ‘shoot them’, referring to the two cats involved in the case.
Whether intended as a joke or not, this statement is profoundly offensive and entirely inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of legal practitioners. Attorneys have a duty to uphold the law with integrity, dignity and respect — values that were blatantly disregarded in this instance.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA will be lodging a formal complaint with the Legal Practice Council (LPC), calling for an urgent investigation and disciplinary action.
‘Fighting for your client is one thing. Advocating cruelty, disrespecting the court, and showing contempt for animal welfare is entirely unacceptable,’ said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, who was present in court today.
A troubling saga has emerged in Kirstenhof, where the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has initiated a crucial investigation into K9 Patrol Pet Army, a non-profit organisation that has raised significant public concern over the treatment of animals in its care.
SPCA inspectors initially encountered resistance when attempting to access the organisation’s premises. However, armed with new complaint details and crucial video evidence, they obtained a warrant from the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, allowing them to search the property, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The search led to the seizure of a staggering thirteen dogs, eight puppies, one cat and various fish, unveiling a troubling situation within the organisation.
In the course of the operation, one suspect was arrested on charges including animal cruelty, obstruction, and possession of drugs, while a second individual, later identified as Jamie Pieterse from K9 Patrol Pet Army, was initially reported as being at large but has since been apprehended.
Both suspects were found in possession of narcotics.
[Warning] Video below contains graphic content:
The SPCA has highlighted that Jamie Pieterse is not a newcomer to legal troubles related to animal welfare; he is currently facing pending charges for a previous animal cruelty case.
‘This unsettling history includes allegations that he treated a critically injured dog in Hanover Park using methods widely condemned by veterinary professionals.’
‘Reports indicate that he applied super glue and aloe to a dog’s torn ear without cleaning the wound or providing any pain relief or antibiotics, a practice starkly inconsistent with accepted veterinary standards.’
‘It is also important to note that Jamie is not registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to perform any veterinary procedures,’ the SPCA stated, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of K9 Patrol Pet Army’s operations.
The investigation intensified when disturbing video footage surfaced, documenting the treatment of the injured dog.
In the clip, distressing cries could be heard from the dog as it was restrained, with its mouth held shut while Pieterse attempted to apply glue to its wound. This evidence has been pivotal in pursuing charges of animal cruelty and illegal veterinary practices against him.
Compounding the issue, the SPCA has noted that K9 Patrol Pet Army solicits donations from the public to fund its activities, raising questions about the ethics and transparency of its operations in the community.
Also read:
Almost 200 dogs: SPCA exposes cruelty within registered rescue shelters
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA / Screenshot
