After more than a year of investigation and court appearances, Inspector Jacob Maduna and the Lower South Coast SPCA have successfully concluded a significant Animal Cruelty case involving wild birds and other animals including one exotic bird. The case of Animal Cruelty against Palm Beach resident Nita Dobson, who was accused of keeping animals in inhumane conditions, reached its verdict on September 26, 2024.

Ms. Dobson, who was alleged to be rehabilitating wild birds, was found guilty of contravening Section 2 (1) e of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 by “being the owner of any animal, deliberately or negligently keeps such animal in a dirty or parasitic condition, or fails to render or procure veterinary or other medical treatment or attention which he is able to render or procure for such animal in need of such treatment or attention, whether through disease, injury, delivery of young or any other cause or fails to destroy or cause to be destroyed any such animal which is so seriously injured or diseased or in such a physical condition that to prolong its life would be cruel and would cause such animal unnecessary suffering’’.

Upon entering the property under a warrant obtained through a Magistrate, the LSC SPCA Inspectorate discovered over 60 birds, including Egyptian geese, a Goffin Cockatoo, rabbits and other species kept in cramped, filthy cages with no access to clean water. Some geese were found inside cat carriers in squalid conditions, clearly violating acceptable standards for animal care.

The magistrate ruled in favour of the LSC SPCA, finding Ms. Dobson guilty on Count 3 of the charge. She was sentenced to either pay a fine of six thousand rand (R6000) or face two months imprisonment, a sentence wholly suspended for three years on the condition that no further contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 occur within the period. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 3(1) (b) and Section 3(1) (c) of the Act, the court has permanently deprived Ms. Dobson of ownership of the animals listed in the charge sheet, and she has been declared unfit to own or be in charge of any animals for a period of three years. Mike Davis welcomed the sentence handed down, and stated that this ruling sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.

An exotic bird, a Goffin Cockatoo that has been kept in safety at the LSC SPCA for the duration of the Court Case, will be moved to an NSPCA Accredited Sanctuary where he will live his life in a free flight aviary with his own kind.

The SPCA Lower South Coast will be taking all necessary steps to ensure that no animals are kept under the care of Ms Dobson as per the Court Order.
"If you witness or suspect any form of Animal Cruelty, neglect, or abuse, we urge you to report it immediately to the Lower South Coast SPCA. By taking action, you can help protect animals from suffering and make a difference in our Community. Every report is valuable, and by speaking up, you can contribute to a safer, kinder environment for all our Animals," said Society Manager and Inspector Mike Davis.

Mr. Davis would also like to thank Inspector Jacob Maduna for heading this case, and the rest of the Inspectorate Team and Staff for their unwavering commitment to animal welfare.

To report concerns about animal welfare, please contact the Lower South Coast SPCA on 039 312 0962 or the Emergency line on 083 222 6355.