96 Pigs Finally Find Freedom After Months of Neglect

Photo Credit: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

After months of being forced to live with no water or shelter, 96 pigs were finally removed from heartbreaking, unsanitary, and wholly unacceptable conditions at a Sir Lowry’s Pass property.

Sir Lowry’s Pass, South Africa (17 November 2025) – Following months of pleas, advice, support and warnings, 96 pigs have finally been saved from heartbreaking neglect in Sir Lowry’s Pass.

This is thanks to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, which, after tireless efforts to improve the animals’ conditions by communicating with the owners at a property behind High Riding Drive in Sir Lowry’s Pass, was finally given the authority to confiscate the pigs living in conditions that inspectors described as “filthy, unhygienic, and wholly unacceptable.”

“When it rains, the pigs were stranded in mud and their own excrement, without access to clean water,” Inspector Lwazi Ntungele said, explaining the animals’ living conditions prior to their rescue.

“When it’s hot, we find them with no water at all and still living in filth. Some animals were suffering from untreated medical conditions. These are direct contraventions of the law, and to let these animals suffer when you have been shown a better way is inhumane.”

The SPCA’s intervention followed months of engagement, education, and repeated warnings aimed at improving the animals’ welfare. Despite these efforts, compliance was not achieved, leaving the SPCA with no alternative but to seek legal authority for their removal under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

The team received a warrant authorising the seizure of the animals, which was executed in full compliance with the law and under the supervision of the relevant authorities on Thursday, 13 November.

“We spent months trying to help. The truth is, this was not sudden or unjust. Every possible chance was given to improve conditions. Only after repeated non-compliance did the court authorise us to act. This rescue was lawful. It was compassionate. And it was necessary,” the SPCA confirmed.

The pigs are now receiving veterinary care, proper shelter, and constant access to fresh water and food at the SPCA’s farmyard facility. The pigs will remain under SPCA care until the legal process concludes.