Following allegations of non-compliance with municipal animal bylaws and animal welfare legislation, Durban Metro Police visited a property in Farningham Ridge where 68 dogs were found.
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The founder of a Durban-based animal rescue organisation acknowledged her breach of eThekwini Municipality bylaws as 68 dogs are removed from her property during a recent SPCA operation.
However, Karen Janisch of Blue Bundu Brigade (BBB) said she was not ashamed, IOL reported.
“I am in breach of the bylaws. I don't deny that, and I do have a lot of dogs on my property. But I'm not ashamed of that because each dog is loved and cared for.”
“I'm not ashamed to house the dogs in my house. Yes, I know it's not the right thing. We should have kennels. We've been looking for a place. And unless you've got the money to put a down payment straight away, it's not going to happen,” she said in an emotionally-charged video posted on Facebook.
On Tuesday, Durban Metro Police said 68 dogs were found on the property in Farningham Ridge.
“Durban Metro Police Service, working in conjunction with the SPCA, conducted an animal welfare enforcement operation at a property on Lincoln Road, Farningham Ridge, following allegations of non-compliance with municipal animal bylaws and animal welfare legislation.”
“A court-issued warrant was obtained, authorising officials to enter the premises. During the operation, 68 dogs were found on the property and were subsequently removed by the SPCA for assessment and care at their facilities,” said Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu.
In her Facebook post, Janisch said the SPCA had removed nine dogs.
“Our dogs were very traumatised with the series of events today. The SPCA removed nine of our dogs, who were in good condition. We have taken photos of each of our dogs removed, of which 4 are pitbulls and will most likely be euthanised,” she said.
Janisch was given an ultimatum.
“There were hard choices to make. I was told they could take the dogs that were in the crates, or all the dogs. How do you make that choice? It's like saying choose between children. How do you make that choice? Then I had to sign forms. I was given a choice to surrender them or to let them be confiscated. So I chose to surrender. I was put into such a position today with my dogs,” she said.
She further explained that the dogs had been placed in crates for a short period while she was not home and did not deserve to be removed from her care.
“Those who don't know me and those who don't like our rescue organisation or me, I'm sure you'll have a lot to say. But all I'm saying to the other rescue organisations, this is bittersweet. It's not a nice feeling. It is absolutely horrible.”