Janice Matthews

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has launched an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty involving Jamie Pieterse, a Kirstenhof resident and the founder of K-9 Patrol Pet Army, a non-profit organisation that solicits public donations in the name of animal welfare and rescue.

The investigation was initiated after Mr Pieterse allegedly treated a severely injured dog in Hanover Park using inappropriate methods.

According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, reports indicate that Mr Pieterse used super glue and aloe to address a dog’s torn ear without cleaning the wound or administering pain relief or antibiotics, a method not aligned with accepted veterinary standards.

Mr Pieterse is not registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to perform any veterinary procedures.

Western Cape NPO Helpdesk, which helps with NPO registration, said Pet Army and Mr Pieterse do not appear on the National Department of Social Development NPO Database.

In an interview with Good Hope FM’s Maka Tanga, which has since been removed from its podcast management platform, Mr Pieterse claims to have founded Pet Army last year.

“We struggle a lot with funding at the moment. It is very difficult to get funding, well it has been (a struggle) up from the start of Pet Army but it would also be amazing if we could get a new property that’s bigger because currently we have 32 dogs and 1 cat on the property and it is a small property,” Mr Pieterse shared with the Weekend Breakfast host

Video footage of the incident, which visibly documents the dog’s suffering, has played a crucial role in highlighting the inappropriate and unlawful veterinary care provided by Mr Pieterse. This evidence has been instrumental in pursuing charges of animal cruelty and illegal veterinary practice.

In the video, the dog can be heard crying in pain as it was restrained and its mouth held shut while Mr Pieterse applied super glue to its ear.

SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini intervened to ensure the dog received proper veterinary care. The dog is currently under treatment at the SPCA Hospital.

Mr Pieterse was arrested with the assistance of the Kirstenhof SAPS and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement.

He faces charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act and for unlawfully undertaking veterinary procedures without being registered in terms of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act.

This case highlights the importance of professional veterinary care and the risks associated with untrained individuals attempting medical treatments on animals.

Carolyn Dudgeon, the founder of Paws-a-While, a non-profit company and member of the Cape Animal Welfare Forum, says the lack of regulation in South Africa's animal welfare sector is alarming.

“Many charities and shelters operate without oversight, making it essential for donors to be vigilant. Red flags include neglecting sterilisation and vaccinations, requesting personal bank deposits, exploiting emotional appeals on social media, and misrepresenting shelter conditions.

“Overcrowded facilities and easy adoption process can lead to suffering for animals, whereas a lack of effort into rehoming animals can indicate possible hoarding. Transparency and proper vet care are crucial. Donors must ask questions and ensure their contributions support genuine rescue efforts,” Ms Dudgeon says.

The SPCA advises exercising caution and verifying the credentials of organisations and individuals claiming to assist animals, ensuring that their operations conform to legal and professional standards.

Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, says anyone unsure about the credentials of an individual treating animals, can check the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) website for a register of all practising professionals and facilities registered with the Council. She also recommends visiting the animal welfare organisation, to check if it is reputable, before parting with hard-earned money.

“Unfortunately, not all who claim to rescue animals truly help them. Since August last year, the SPCA has intervened in four shocking cases where organisations, registered as NPOs and soliciting public donations, were exposed for neglecting and harming the very animals they claimed to protect.

“This most recent incident in which a dog's torn ear was superglued together by yet another organisation raising funds from the public and purporting to be helping animals exposes how the unregulated nature of animal welfare leaves the public open to exploitation and animals open to harm. There is no governing body regulating rescue organisations. This lack of oversight enables hoarders and opportunists to exploit public goodwill while animals pay the ultimate price.”