10/06/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT 10 JUNE 2026 – PROPERTY WITH 68 DOGS
On Tuesday, 2 June 2026, our Inspectorate received a call from Metro Police requesting assistance at a property where more than 60 dogs were being kept. Metro Police were conducting an inspection as the owner was allegedly contravening multiple bylaws and municipal hygiene regulations. The owner refused them access to the property.
A warrant was subsequently obtained from the Magistrate's Court. Two of our inspectors then accompanied Metro Police back to the property. All officials were in full uniform and introduced themselves to the owner. The purpose of the inspection was explained, but the owner was extremely hostile and verbally abusive towards the Metro Police officers.
We informed the owner that we needed to assess the animals and their condition. As our inspectors entered the property, they were immediately overwhelmed by the conditions. Keeping more than 60 dogs in a standard three-bedroom house raises significant welfare and public health concerns.
Dogs were confined throughout the house, including in crates. Some crates contained two dogs at a time, leaving them barely able to turn around comfortably. No water was available in the crates, and there were no blankets or bedding. The strong ammonia smell made it difficult to breathe inside the house. There appeared to be inadequate cleaning, disinfection, and waste disposal procedures in place.
When asked why the dogs were being crated, we were told that the dogs fought with one another. This raised further concerns, as safely managing interactions between such a large number of dogs in a confined environment is extremely challenging. This results in the dogs being crated permanently to avoid fights amongst them.
We attempted to explain that it is physically impossible to adequately care for so many animals within the limitations of the property, given the lack of space, insufficient cleaning protocols, and inadequate housing arrangements.
We were informed that the organisation is a registered NPO. However, an NPO registration relates to financial and administrative matters, including the receipt of donations. It does not grant permission to keep more than 60 dogs in a residential area. This was one of the reasons Metro Police were present and had already issued warnings. The organisation is not registered with the municipality as an animal rescue centre and does not meet the applicable bylaw requirements.
Although we were informed that plans were being made to relocate some of the dogs, our inspectors could not ignore the conditions in which some of the animals were being kept and leave them in that environment any longer.
The owner remained extremely hostile and uncooperative throughout the inspection. She was given the opportunity to work with us by voluntarily surrendering the crated dogs. In return, a warning with a reasonable timeframe would be issued regarding the remaining animals, requiring that conditions be improved to ensure their welfare.
While the dogs were being loaded, one of the dogs attacked the owner's husband, biting him in the face. At the same time, dogs confined in another room began attacking one another uncontrollably. A helper on the property attempted to separate them and was observed striking the dogs excessively in the process.
Our inspectors attempted to enter and assist in stopping the chaos but were prevented from doing so by the owner, who blocked them off at the door shouted in their faces at and insulted them.
Only nine dogs were ultimately surrendered. The owner's hostility made cooperation extremely difficult and appeared to increase the stress and tension experienced by both the animals and those present.
The SPCA issued a warning to the owner regarding multiple animal welfare concerns. Metro Police also issued warnings relating to bylaw violations and provided a timeframe within which the issues must be addressed.
We have since confirmed that some of the dogs have been moved to other properties. Our inspectors will conduct a follow-up inspections at all the locations, and should further concerns be identified, additional action will be taken.
As this is an active investigation, we cannot share photographic or video evidence of what our inspectors observed inside the property. However, we urge members of the public to carefully consider the organisations they choose to support. Visit facilities where possible, remember that old misleading photos can be used, understand how animals are housed and cared for, and ensure that donations are being used responsibly.
Ask yourself: Are you supporting a rescue organisation, or are you unintentionally supporting an animal-hoarding situation?
We were told that the animals are loved; however, the owner was unable to confirm exactly how many dogs were on the property or provide the names of all the animals. We were also told that all the animals had been sterilised. However, examinations of the nine surrendered dogs revealed that some had not been sterilised.
We recognise that rescue organisations across South Africa face significant challenges and often do their best with limited resources. However, there comes a point where difficult questions must be asked: Are you part of the solution, or are you becoming part of the problem? Is compromising an animal's health and mental well-being really rescuing?
We are aware of the public comments and differing opinions surrounding this matter, particularly because we have not publicly shared our findings. Our focus remains on the animals, not personal disputes. However, we are confident that if the public were able to see the conditions documented by our inspectors, many opinions would change.
The SPCA's mandate is to enforce and uphold the Animals Protection Act, and that is precisely what our team has done and will continue to do. Regardless of the criticism, insults, or misinformation, we will always place animal welfare first and act in the best interests of the animals.
We will not be engaging in debates or discussions on social media while this investigation remains active, as we cannot disclose further details at this stage. Please note that any offensive or inappropriate comments directed at any party may be removed.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or wish to report suspected animal cruelty, please contact our office for assistance.
We thank everyone who supports us in the fight against animal cruelty.
