Puppies taken from illicit sellers

The SPCA seized two mixed-breed puppies from illegal sellers in Regent Road in Sea Point last Saturday.

Law enforcement fined the father-and-son team, who allegedly wanted R2 000 for each dog. It is believed that a potential buyer alerted authorities to the puppies' sale.

“The Law Enforcement Department confirms that officers responded to the complaint of puppies being sold and fined the perpetrator.

“The SPCA was called and the puppies were impounded,” said Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for Law Enforcement.

Mr Dyason adds that the unauthorised selling of puppies is not allowed in terms of the Animal Keeping By-Law which states:

· No person may sell or offer to sell an animal without the City’s authorisation –

· (a) in a street or public place;

· (b) in or from a movable structure or vehicle;

· (c) at public markets; and

· (d) online or through social media platforms or outlets.

Heather Tager, the chief operating officer of the Sea Point City Improvement District (CID) said the Chairman of the CID, Jacques Weber, was made aware by a concerned member of the community of puppies being sold along Regent Road.

“The Sea Point CID and Law Enforcement were notified and immediately responded. The end result was that the puppy seller was apprehended by Law Enforcement.

“The SPCA on arrival took ownership of the puppies and a case was opened. This is not the first time that the illegal sale of puppies has occurred and thanks to the swift action always taken by Law Enforcement and the SPCA, the perpetrators have been apprehended,” said Ms Tager.

She said an offer of adoption was made and once everything is checked by the SPCA, the puppies will be going to a loving home.

Marisol Gutierrez, the communications and fund-raising manager at the SPCA, confirmed that they have the puppies impounded.

“We are of the view since the changes to the Animal Keeping By Law in December 2021, we are receiving fewer complaints about puppies being sold next to the road. Our aim is always to place the puppies for adoption, if their health permits this. These puppies already have a home, pending our adoption process being followed,” said Ms Gutierrez.

She added that the SPCA has many animals who need homes and appealed to animal lovers to contact the SPCA if they would like to adopt.

Ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell said there are sporadic reports of puppies being sold in the area and thanked the community members for being responsible.

“This would amount to a couple a year, far less than what has been evident in the CBD for example. But it’s imperative that everyone is dealt with decisively, the puppies rescued and action taken against the culprits,” Ms Jowell said.

“The success in these incidents are down to an active and vigilant community who sound the alarm and persist until the right action is taken,” she said.

To find out more about adopting an animal from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, call 021 700 4152, email adoptions@spca-ct.co.za or visit https://capespca.co.za/adopt