Durban - More than 60 cats, dogs and pigs have been put down after they were found living in inhumane conditions with an animal hoarder on a smallholding in Crowder, near eMkhomazi (Umkomaas), on the South Coast.
Caroline Smith, general manager of the Durban and Coast SPCA, said on Wednesday that, because of the magnitude of the situation, they were called to help the eManzimtoti branch conduct a raid on the property.
The middle-aged woman had 140 animals living on her property and in her house.
“The animals were found in drawers, on shelves, down manholes, in the bushes, and some were feral, and vicious,” Smith said.
The woman signed over 64 of the animals to the SPCA to be “humanely euthanised to end their suffering”. They had endured severe neglect and contracted various conditions.
Four dogs were taken for assessment by a vet. Only then will it be determined if they can be rehabilitated and put up for adoption.
Once this and the reports had been done, the SPCA would lay a charge of cruelty to animals according to the Animals Protection Act, Smith said.
“This legislation empowers our inspectors to instigate legal action against abusive and neglectful owners. If found guilty, the perpetrator could face up to three years imprisonment and or a fine of R60 000,” Smith said.
Daily News