- Two people were arrested in Delft after assaulting SPCA inspectors and law enforcement officers trying to rescue dogs living in cruel conditions.
- The attack involved physical violence with bricks and a knife, leaving an inspector and an officer injured.
- The SPCA managed to rescue the dogs, while the dog’s owner remains at large as the investigation continues.
Two people were arrested and a third is sought by authorities after attacking inspectors trying to rescue dogs found in appalling conditions in Delft on Tuesday.
The dogs were chained without sufficient shelter, deprived of drinking water, and forced to live in unsanitary conditions. Despite previous warnings served to the owner to improve these conditions, compliance was ignored, leading them to the intervention to protect the dogs’ welfare. A warrant was issued authorising SPCA inspectors to seize the two dogs.
According to Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the SPCA, during the execution of this warrant, the owner, accompanied by his sister and her boyfriend, attacked the SPCA inspectors and Law Enforcement officers. “Soon after, members of the local community joined in, surrounding the officers. The attackers physically assaulted the team, escalating the violence with bricks and even attempting to use a knife. As a result, both a SPCA inspector and a Law Enforcement officer were injured and required medical examination. Despite the aggressive attack, the officers were undeterred and successfully seized the dogs, who are now under the care and protection of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA,” says Abraham.
Backup
The suspects were arrested after the inspectors called in backup. “The suspects now face multiple charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault on a Peace Officer, assault with a deadly weapon, damage to council property, and contempt of court. The dogs’ owner, however, managed to escape and remains at large as the investigation continues,” says Abraham.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse says they will not be intimidated from assisting animals in need. “We have a legal duty to protect animals, and no one is above the law. We will ensure that these perpetrators face justice in the harshest terms,” says Pieterse.
The SPCA Inspectorate often operates in high-risk areas, facing resistance while protecting animals and upholding the Animals Protection Act. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by animal welfare officers who frequently contend with hostile conditions to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty. “The Cape of Good Hope SPCA extends sincere gratitude to the City of Cape Town for their continued support and partnership with the SPCA. Their collaboration remains vital in safeguarding animals from cruelty and ensuring the safety of our Inspectors in the field,” says Abraham.
The inspectors both received medical treatment.
- Residents are urged to report any suspected animal cruelty to the SPCA. Reports can be made 24/7 through the SPCA Inspectorate Control Room at 021 700 4158/9, via email at inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za, or by WhatsApp at 021 700 4140. Whistleblowers’ identities are fully protected to encourage and ensure safe reporting.
