Africa-Press – South-Africa. Two Husky-type dogs have been confiscated from their owners after the killing of 19 endangered penguins at Seaforth Beach in Simon’s Town over the weekend.
Numerous signs at the beach and parking lot warn visitors that off-leash dogs are not allowed.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CoGH SPCA) chief inspector, Jaco Pieterse, said their wildlife department was alerted to the incident on Friday 28 October.
“The dogs were impounded today (Monday) in terms of the Animal Keeping By-law by the City of Cape Town, assisted by CoGH SPCA inspectors.
“The SPCA will ensure that justice is served for these penguins, who suffered a traumatic death because of irresponsible dog owners.
“We don’t believe that the dogs are to blame, but will hold their irresponsible owners accountable,” said Pieterse.
CoGH SPCA and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit removed the two dogs from a residential property in Simon’s Town, with the dogs impounded, the City now has a process to follow in terms of the Animal Keeping By-Law.
He says the owner also has the right to appeal any decision made by the City..
According to an eyewitness, who tried to stop the carnage on Friday, the dogs were seen attacking multiple penguins.
“The SPCA has an affidavit from an eyewitness who witnessed the incident. It was reported that two husky-type dogs were seen at Seaforth beach attacking various penguins.”
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) has since confirmed that the birds’ death appeared to be caused by dog bites.
Seaforth Beach is a prominent nesting site for around 150 endangered African penguins and is on the border of Boulders Beach – the world-famous African penguin breeding colony.
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