The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says one of their inspectors was held hostage by a man who cops had arrested for animal cruelty.
This after the bird owner allegedly abused and neglected his pigeons and chickens at his home in Parow.
The commotion began last week when the inspector arrived at the premises to carry out a pre-
adoption visit, but discovered that the couple’s chickens and pigeons were not being fed, had no water and were living in “parasitic
conditions”.
SHOCK: The pigeons and chickens were living in “parasitic conditions” and neglected. Picture supplied
The inspector was manhandled and kept hostage inside for two hours until he was finally set free.
The SPCA returned on 7 February with a warrant issued by the Bellville Magistrate's Court and were accompanied by the police.
The owner was arrested for obstructing the SPCA.
Belinda Abraham of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA says the man will be facing animal cruelty
charges.
“The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had to obtain a warrant from the Bellville Magistrate's Court last week to rescue
animals from a property in Parow East.
“This followed after an incident where one of its inspectors was held hostage for more than two hours and manhandled by the property owner and his wife.
“The whole incident transpired after the couple’s home inspection to adopt an animal from the SPCA was declined following the discovery of the terrible living conditions of their current animals.
“Pigeons and chickens were being kept in dirty and parasitic conditions with no access to food or water.
SHOCK: The pigeons and chickens were living in “parasitic conditions” and neglected. Pictures: supplied
“SPCA inspectors returned to the property armed with a warrant
and escorted by Parow SAPS on
7 February.
"The owner refused to open the gate when SPCA officials arrived and continued to verbally abuse and use profanities towards the SPCA inspectors.
“The SAPS officials intervened and arrested the owner for obstructing the SPCA.
“The SPCA has laid charges against the property owner for animal cruelty and obstruction and further charges in terms of the Criminal Procedures Act for obstructing the course and administration of justice.”
Belinda Abraham of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. File photo
geneieve.serra@inl.co.za