NOT COOL BY THE POOL - SPCA raid Fish Hoek home and find 120 fish in contaminated water

IN A troubling case of animal neglect, a homeowner in Fish Hoek is diep innie moeilikheid with animal welfare authorities after it was found that they were keeping live fish in dirty, stagnant water in a swimming pool.

The poor conditions led to a court-authorised intervention.

Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, assisted by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit, executed a warrant on January 14 issued by the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court under the Animals Protection Act.

The SPCA became involved after receiving a cruelty complaint and carrying out repeated inspections at the property. Inspectors found a swimming pool being used to house fish in green, stagnant and heavily contaminated water. Despite multiple formal warnings, conditions did not improve and adequate care was not provided.

Inspectors also reported resistance and a refusal to engage meaningfully, prompting the SPCA to seek a warrant amid concerns the fish were suffering unnecessarily.

When officials returned to execute the warrant, they found the pool unchanged. Water quality was extremely poor, with limited visibility and heavy contamination. Items recovered from the water included plastic bags, skateboards, brooms, dustpans, pots, and other household refuse.

Attempts to remove the fish with nets were largely unsuccessful. The pool’s fixed pump failed, requiring the use of mobile pumps. 

An electric pump later broke down, and a petrol-powered pump was ultimately used to complete the operation.

The six-and-a-half-hour operation involved six officials and resulted in the removal of 120 fish. Two were already in a compromised condition, while seven died shortly after arrival despite intervention. The remaining fish were taken into SPCA care for further assessment and treatment.

The SPCA said that enforcement is always their last resort, following repeated attempts to rescue the vissies. 

The organisation said: “We always first seek voluntary compliance through education and lawful notices. However, where animals continue to be exposed to conditions that cause unnecessary suffering, the SPCA will not hesitate to approach the courts and take decisive, lawful action to protect animal welfare.”

The SPCA said the case highlights that all animals, including fish are protected under animal welfare legislation.