200 cats and dogs seized from breeder
Manawatu, MW (NZ)Incident Date: Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007
Disposition: Not Charged
Case Images: 1 files available
Person of Interest: John Balfour
A case of animal neglect so bad it made an SPCA inspector of 35 years' experience retch is still being dealt with on a property between Woodville and Dannevirke.
SPCA national operations team leader Jim Boyd said the stench at the property, where 200 neglected cats and dogs were found on Monday, was revolting.
"I was retching. There were flies everywhere."
The SPCA was alerted to the property by police and dog-control services, who had visited the site and "were not happy" with the living conditions for about 120 cats and 80 dogs in an old piggery owned by dog breeder David Balfour.
Mr Boyd said it was likely Mr Balfour would be prosecuted. The SPCA has the power to press charges, but it cannot arrest people.
A team of seven experienced SPCA inspectors from around the country raided the property.
Three received medical attention for cat bites.
They found animals in small cages covered in faeces, in dark, eerie and airless ramshackle sheds. Many of the cats were diseased with feline chlamydia, respiratory diseases, ringworm and some looked like "fly-blown sheep with matted coats".
Others were emaciated and severely dehydrated.
"There are simply too many animals at the property for one or two people to care for," Mr Boyd stated.
Mr Balfour released all of his 120 cats to the SPCA yesterday.
"I think he saw the writing on the wall," Mr Boyd said.
The property is now under a 24-hour watch by SPCA staff, who are worried Mr Balfour may try to remove some of the animals.
Some dogs were in a "reasonable" condition, but about 30 had been removed.
Other animal lovers housed their animals at the property for breeding and grooming purposes, Mr Boyd said. These owners had 36 hours to remove their pets before the SPCA took the animals into care.
Meanwhile, the SPCA is footing the bill to reclaim the mistreated animals, treat them and rehouse them in temporary shelters all over the lower North Island, Mr Boyd said. The cost was likely to run into thousands of dollars.
Any donations, including pet food, would be welcome, he said.
All animals taken from the property will receive vet care. Dogs have been microchipped. Previous experience suggested that many of the animals might have severe social and behavioural problems.
About 11 cats and dogs have been put down and more are expected to follow.
A court order would ensure any animals left in Mr Balfour's care would be properly looked after, Mr Boyd said. References« Back to Search Results
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