Animal welfare inspectors rescued four chickens on Saturday after the birds were found tied by their legs and left on a pavement outside a local primary school.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched the operation following a tip-off from a member of the public who spotted the birds being offered for sale alongside a busy road.
Inspector Elani Steenkamp and Trainee Inspector Justin De Vos were immediately dispatched to the scene. While the team was en route, the SPCA Control Room coordinated with the Maitland City Improvement District (CID) for assistance.
Maitland CID officers arrived without hesitation and secured the location until the inspectors arrived.
Upon arrival, officials found four chickens tethered together by their legs on the pavement. According to an SPCA statement, the birds were entirely immobilised, leaving them unable to “walk, seek shelter, access food or water independently, or engage in their natural behaviours.”
The organisation noted that because chickens are prey animals, restricting their movement causes severe psychological and physical trauma.
The hawker operating the roadside stall could not produce a permit authorising the sale of live animals, which constitutes a direct violation of the City of Cape Town by-laws. Faced with the immediate seizure of the birds, the vendor chose to surrender the chickens to the inspectors.
The animals were safely transported to the SPCA Farmyard in Grassy Park, where they are currently undergoing veterinary assessment and care.
The chickens are safe at our Grassy Park Farmyard after being found bound by their legs and left on a pavement in Maitland.
The SPCA reminded the public that tethering birds violates the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which prohibits conduct causing unnecessary suffering. The organisation warned that extended tethering leads to pain, restricted blood circulation, and vulnerability to predators and extreme weather.
The welfare group emphasised that commercial interests do not override animal rights, stating that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear and discomfort.
“Economic hardship and the need to earn an income can never justify the mistreatment of animals,” the SPCA said, reiterating that all livestock and pets must be handled humanely.
Officials credited the rescue entirely to the quick action of the whistleblower.
The SPCA urged citizens to report animal cruelty, neglect, or suffering to their 24-hour Inspectorate Control Room at 021 700 4158/9 or via WhatsApp at 021 700 4140.
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