The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the City of Cape Town’s Animal Control Unit seized 63 cats and eight bunnies due to welfare concerns.
The animals were taken from Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome in Ruytewacht, Cape Town.
The Goodwood Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant under the Animals Protection Act following delays in performing inspections and the concealing of animals from inspectors during earlier visits.
“Inspectors were met with dire conditions upon entry. The facility, meant to be a safe haven, was found grossly inadequate with dirty, overcrowded living spaces,” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said.
“The house, lacking proper light and ventilation, was filled with the overpowering smell of ammonia. Disturbingly, healthy cats were mixed with those showing signs of illness, such as sneezing and eye and nasal discharges,” it said.
“This practice of co-housing healthy and sick animals is highly irresponsible as it increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Rabbits suffered in similarly squalid conditions, confined to dirty cages with no access to clean drinking water. Such conditions are not what is expected standards of a rescue organisation.”
Our veterinary staff conducted extensive checks on the rescued animals at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA hospital.
Many of the seized cats were infected with Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (snuffles), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukaemia Virus.
Both FIV and FeLV are incurable and extremely contagious diseases that weaken a cat’s immune system, making it vulnerable to a variety of secondary infections, resulting in a long and agonizing death.
Infected cats require considerable medical care, seclusion from other cats to prevent transmission, and a controlled environment to maintain their quality of life.
“Not only is it irresponsible to keep these infected cats with other healthy cats, but it is also highly irresponsible and unethical to re-home cats without confirming their health status for FIV and FeLV, as introducing infected cats into homes with other cats can lead to widespread disease transmission,” the SPCA said.
The owner of Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome is now facing criminal accusations for animal abuse under the Animals Protection Act.
Anyone found guilty of such acts could face a fine of up to R40,000 and/or 12 months in prison, as well as a criminal record.
The City of Cape Town Law Enforcement also levied fines for several violations of the Animal Keeping Bylaw.
These violations include not being registered with the City as a rescue organization and having an excessive number of animals on the premises, among other things.
“These fines are part of the legal repercussions for failing to meet the required care and management standards expected of any animal owner. Despite Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome’s registration as a nonprofit organisation, its failure to comply with essential welfare standards is a stark reminder that not all organisations uphold the required ethics and care,” the SPCA said.
“The SPCA urges the public to perform due diligence before supporting animal rescue organisations. Ensuring ethical practices and the proper use of funds is vital for the welfare of the animals and the integrity of the contributions made.”
Residents are urged to report any animal cruelty or suspicious activities to the Inspectorate Control Room at 021 700 4158/9, email inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za, or send a WhatsApp message to 021 700 4140. All reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality.
