SPCA rescues 96 neglected pigs in Sir Lowry’s Pass

Ninety-six pigs living in conditions that inspectors described as “filthy, unhygienic, and wholly unacceptable” were confiscated in Sir Lowry’s Pass on Thursday, November 13, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

The SPCA said in a statement that the operation was conducted jointly with police and the City’s law enforcement on a court-issued warrant in a property behind High Riding Drive.

“This intervention followed months of engagement, education, and repeated warnings aimed at improving the animals’ welfare. Despite these efforts, compliance was not achieved, leaving the SPCA with no alternative but to seek legal authority for their removal under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962,” the organisation stated.

It said its inspectors issued several written warnings and made multiple visits, urging the owners to provide adequate shelter, clean drinking water, and sanitary conditions.

“When it rained, the pigs were stranded in mud and their own excrement, without access to clean water. When it’s hot, we find them with no water and still living in filth. Some animals were suffering from untreated medical conditions. These are direct contraventions of the law, and to let these animals suffer when you have been shown a better way is inhumane,” said Inspector Lwazi Ntungele.

The SPCA said it approached the Somerset West Magistrates' Court following persistent non-compliance and that the warrant was authorised to seize the animals, which were executed in compliance with the law and under the supervision of the relevant authorities.

The rescued animals will remain under SPCA care until the legal process concludes, the organisation said, and added that the owners may face charges of animal cruelty as the matter is still under investigation.

Provincial police directed all questions from Bolander back to the SPCA, and the City had not responded by the time of publication.

Anyone who needs advice with regard to the keeping of any animal is encouraged to call SPCA on 0217004158/9 or send an email to Inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za.