SPCA rescues 163 dogs from horror shelter (Warning)
The SPCA has intervened in four cases where registered NPOs, soliciting public donations, have neglected the animals they claimed to protect.
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.
WARNING: This article may contain images that will upset sensitive reading
October 2024: 63 cats and 8 rabbits seized from Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome in Ruyterwacht due to severe welfare concerns.
August 2024: 31 dogs in dire need of urgent care removed from HAWK Riverlands under court order, while the facility was ordered to reduce overcrowding.
February 2025: The SPCA raided the home of a rescuer in Wynberg, removing 16 cats and 5 rabbits, also living in poor conditions. The cats were sick, and the rabbits had severely overgrown nails and teeth.
March 2025: The largest intervention yet – 163 dogs and 29 tortoises rescued from Mahanaimfeet Sanctuary outside Atlantis.
The devastating truth behind Mahanaimfeet Sanctuary
Mahanaimfeet Sanctuary, run by Ockert Kruger, promotes itself as “Saving Lives Paw By Paw” and “A Peaceful Home for Retired Heroes.”
But behind the façade of compassion, SPCA Inspectors uncovered extreme neglect and suffering.
- Dogs left in agony: Severe skin conditions, flea infestations, untreated medical issues – including a lame dog with open sores, dragging himself, and a dog with a burst tumour.
- Suffering in silence: Matted fur, overgrown nails, dental disease, and many other indications of severe neglect.
- Illegal wildlife captivity: 29 tortoises starved, covered in ticks, and surrounded by the remains of dead tortoises.
Following an urgent warrant secured from the Atlantis Magistrates Court, the most critical cases were removed immediately last Thursday.
A follow-up inspection was conducted on Tuesday, 11 March and a further 75 dogs were removed from his care.
Incredibly, this was not Kruger’s first encounter with the law – or the SPCA.
It appears to be a repeating cycle of renting properties, accumulating debt, and evading eviction – all while using the animals as a source of income.
Shockingly, in 2018, the Swellendam SPCA seized horses from him under similar conditions. As of today, that court case is still unresolved, and he has continued operating.
Kruger and his family, who are seemingly blind to the suffering around them, attempted to conceal dogs from our Inspectors, leading to Kruger’s arrest for obstruction and animal cruelty.
A system that allows suffering
This case, like others before it, 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.
- Who ensures accountability? Right now, no one.
- How many more animals must suffer before real regulation exists?
- What can you do to stop this cycle?
The hard truth: Unchecked ‘rescue’ leads to more suffering
Many people donate in good faith, believing their money helps animals.
Others surrender pets to these facilities, thinking they are giving them a chance.
In reality, they may be handing them over to a life of neglect.
Tips to avoid funding cruelty
- Visit before you donate – A registered NPO does not guarantee ethical practices. Always physically inspect facilities before supporting them.
- Call for regulation – Local government must establish policies governing rescue organisations and enforcing accountability.
- Uncontrolled intake is a red flag – Any facility taking in unlimited animals without a euthanasia policy is likely hoarding, not rescuing.
- Those who surrender irresponsibly contribute to the problem – Private rescue groups and individuals who drop off animals at places like this to avoid euthanasia are enabling suffering.
What happens next?
“The SPCA is taking legal action to stop Mr. Kruger from acquiring more animals while court proceedings are underway. This must be the last time animals suffer at his hands,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse
Inspector Pieterse, who saw the suffering firsthand, added: “No animal deserves to live like this. These dogs and tortoises had no voice, no choice, and no escape. We were their only hope. We need the public to stand with us – because without regulation and accountability, this cruelty will continue.”
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is spearheading changes to the City By-Laws to facilitate regulation and oversight of the sector in collaboration with the authorities.
If we do not demand oversight, these cases will keep repeating.
Your actions matter. Choose carefully where you donate, advocate for change, and always investigate before you trust.
If an organisation refuses transparency, ask yourself: What are they hiding?
Help the SPCA keep fighting for them
SPCA Inspectors are the only ones standing between suffering animals and those who exploit them.
But they can’t do it alone.
Financial support helps keep inspectors in the field, exposing exploitation and seeking justice.
Every donation makes a difference.
If you are in a position to donate, click HERE
Are you aware of a neighbour who you fear may be abusing an animal on their property?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.