Inspector Jeffrey Mfini responds to the call.
Image: SPCA
An SPCA inspection in Philippi led to the seizure of 16 animals from a residential property after inspectors found repeated breaches of prior compliance notices and warrants, as well as evidence of prolonged neglect. Inspector Jeffrey Mfini first responded to calls to the property on March 9, 2026.
Footage captured at the scene reveals inspectors arriving alongside law enforcement, where a distressed woman appears from the house, insisting that the dogs do not belong to her and claiming they are owned by a man named Jacques.
The inspector addresses those present, explaining that he needs to enter the property to assess the animals inside, as it is believed that two dogs were confined to a room.
Upon entering the room, the dogs react instantly, barking fiercely and biting the inspector as he enters the property. The scene is shocking; several dogs are discovered in dire circumstances.
Following a thorough inspection of the property, the inspector notes that the situation reflects ongoing non-compliance, despite three prior notices and warrants having been issued to the occupants. He says those requirements had not been met.
As inspectors move through the house, they find the conditions inside to be severely unhygienic. One dog is discovered lying in what appears to be a sedated or unresponsive state. More dogs are then located in separate rooms, including a third and fourth animal, all of which were found in areas heavily contaminated with faeces.
“If we decide to own animals, we need to know we are responsible,” Inspector Mfini says. “We cannot just take animals outside and torture them and watch them suffer. It’s not nice at all. Just imagine these animals are far away from their main house; there is no love.”
Further searches reveal a fifth and sixth dog being kept outside in direct sunlight without access to water.
An eighth dog is later found isolated and malnourished. These findings are not isolated incidents; they reflect a disturbing trend in South Africa, where many animals suffer in silence because of neglect and abuse.
Among the most critical cases: a German Shepherd called Buddy, with a growth on his lower back that compromised hind-leg mobility
Image: SPCA
In total, 16 animals were removed from the property. Following the seizure, Inspector Mfini registered a case at Philippi SAPS.
Upon his arrival, he found that the responsible parties were already at the station, attempting to file charges against him. Their complaint was not taken seriously.
The owner now faces charges under Sections 2(1)(b), 2(1)(c), and 2(1)(e) of the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, which carry penalties of up to R40,000 in fines and/or 12 months’ imprisonment. The owner is a teacher by profession.
“If you are a teacher, your responsibility is to teach children the right things,” Inspector Mfini said. “How can you care for children if you can’t care for animals? Charity begins at home.”
All 16 animals are currently receiving veterinary treatment at the SPCA.
When asked how he felt about the situation, Inspector Mfini said: “I have felt unhappy since the beginning of this case. Now that we have removed these animals from those terrible conditions, I can finally sleep knowing that they are now in good hands.”
IOL