Magaliesburg - More charges may be laid against the owners of an animal sanctuary in Magaliesburg in the North West, the National Council of SPCAs said on Wednesday.
Recent inspections had revealed that the owners of Happy Yappers Animal Sanctuary might have contravened the Animals Protection Act, said inspector Jaco Pieterse.
“The owners verbally abused and hindered our inspectors from performing their duties in our recent routine inspections,” he said.
Pieterse said after consideration was given to the well-being of certain animals on Friday, a warrant was obtained from the Koster Magistrate's Court.
“Our inspectors were obstructed... when they wanted to remove a dog and cat for a second opinion, in respect of which a warning had been previously issued,” said Pieterse.
He said police had to free some of the inspectors, who were locked inside the property by the owners.
“The owners were issued with a warning for several other concerns that were noted,” he said.
Pieterse said another inspection was conducted on Monday, where six more animals were confiscated for various medical reasons and taken for treatment.
“We are waiting for veterinary reports before we can request police to add more charges including of intimidation, crimen injuria and obstruction,” he said.
Pieterse said the organisation had a pending case against the sanctuary, related to similar charges, which had been opened in 2011.
Comment from the sanctuary could not immediately be obtained. - Sapa