A Kuilsriver pet store has received widespread backlash on social media after a picture of eight puppies in the shop on display in a hamster cage went viral. Since then, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has opened a case against the pet store.
The photo shows eight pitbull cross-breeds laying cramped in the small space, with a sign stating that each pup was for sale for R1 200.
Someone needs to do something about this ? @Ya_a_seen_Him @simon_orgill maybe a retweet to raise awareness? pic.twitter.com/In3BDgaiPC
— ?❤? (@Hidaayatullah88) March 16, 2019
A Twitter user had visited the store and reported the case via the social media channel, alerting the SPCA to the matter. The user also added that the puppies were left in the same hamster cage for more than a week, and the pet shop had not been providing the young dogs with adequate food and water. The user also noted that the staff also seemed unable to properly care for several of the fish on sale in the pet store, as some were swollen and covered in white spots. Others seemed to be dying.
thank you for making us aware we will ensure our inspectors investigate this asap
— SPCA | Cape Town (@capespca) March 18, 2019
Since being visited by the Animal Anti-Cruelty League and the SPCA, the pet store has returned the dogs to their original owner, and will no longer sell dogs or cats.
Picture: Twitter