We often think of animal rescuers as heroes — people who step in when others won’t.

But sometimes, the ones claiming to save animals are actually the ones hurting them most.

That harsh truth came to light after a shocking raid on a home in Kirstenhof, Cape Town, revealed appalling scenes of abuse, neglect, and deception — all behind the name of an alleged “rescue group.”

Arrest After Escape Attempt and Drug Bust

Jamie Pieterse, founder of what he dubbed the “K9 Patrol Pet Army,” and his associate, Marizelle Swanepoel, are now facing serious charges.

After authorities raided their property, Pieterse tried to give them the slip.

He was eventually arrested by Cape Town Traffic Services in Scarborough — and, to make matters worse, was found carrying narcotics at the time.

Delays and Deception: Authorities Met Resistance

Earlier that same day, SPCA inspectors, backed by the police and armed with a court warrant, arrived at the Kirstenhof property.

But they were delayed for over seven minutes at the gate by Swanepoel, who claimed she didn’t have the keys.

It wasn’t until she was threatened with arrest that she finally opened the gates.

Things didn’t improve once inside. She was caught trying to secretly untie one of the dogs — a clear attempt to tamper with the investigation — but SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse quickly intervened.

Disturbing Conditions Uncovered

What the inspectors found beyond the gate was nothing short of horrifying.

Outside the house, dogs were chained to short ropes with no clean water in sight.

Puppies were crammed into a tiny pen, and one poor dog was tied directly to a tap. Inside, the situation was even worse.

The house reeked of filth. In the kitchen, a pitbull stood alone in squalor.

In the bathroom, three dogs were trapped in a small space surrounded by faeces, urine, and heaps of garbage.

Another group of dogs was found locked away in a room, while a cat and three sick puppies were discovered behind a urine-soaked couch, living in disgusting, rotting conditions.

Not Just Dogs and Cats: Illegal Fish Kept Without Permits

Inspectors also found tubs of dark, discoloured water filled with koi and Nile Tilapia — the latter being a listed invasive species.

These fish were being kept without any of the legally required permits, violating environmental laws.

By the end of the raid, the SPCA had rescued 13 adult dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, and 3 tubs of fish from what they now call a “house of horrors.”

Charges Piling Up

Both Pieterse and Swanepoel were arrested and now face a long list of charges:

Violations of the Animals Protection Act: neglect, cruel confinement, denying water, and failure to seek medical treatment.
Breaching City of Cape Town by-laws for keeping too many unsterilised dogs.
Obstructing justice, specifically attempting to tamper with evidence.
Breaking environmental laws by illegally keeping invasive species without permits.

The animals rescued are now in the SPCA’s care, receiving medical attention and being rehabilitated.

Court Appearance and Bail Hearing

On Monday, 5 May, both suspects appeared in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court after spending the weekend in custody. Their bail hearing has been postponed to Thursday, 8 May.

The SPCA has made it clear they will oppose any bail application, citing the severity and scale of the cruelty uncovered.

A Troubling Pattern: This Isn’t Pieterse’s First Offense

Sadly, this isn’t Pieterse’s first brush with animal cruelty.

In March 2025, he was reported for a separate incident where he attempted to treat a dog’s torn ear using super glue — without pain relief or any vet oversight.

The dog, named Pablo, was visibly in distress as Pieterse and others restrained him and forcibly shut his mouth during the botched “procedure.”

The incident was caught on video and led to charges under both the Animals Protection Act and the Veterinary Professions Act, since Pieterse isn’t a licensed vet.

Thanks to SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini, Pablo was removed from Pieterse’s care and made a full recovery after a month of treatment.

He has since been joyfully reunited with his rightful family.

False Rescuers: A Dangerous Deception

“This wasn’t just neglect — this was deliberate cruelty disguised as animal rescue,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.

“No one who truly cares about animals would treat them this way.”

He stressed that cases like this highlight the importance of asking questions before supporting any animal rescue group.

Appearances can be deceiving, and good intentions do not justify abusive actions.

Stay Alert and Speak Out

If something like this was happening next door, would you know? The SPCA is urging the public to stay alert and speak up if they suspect cruelty.

If you’re unsure, ask, research, and don’t assume someone is a hero just because they say they are.