K9 Patrol Pet Army UPDATE: Founder faces animal cruelty charges

The founder of K9 Patrol Pet Army and his co-accused are expected back in court next month after their case was postponed for further investigation and to allow the accused to consult with newly appointed legal representatives.

Jamie Pieterse and Marizelle Swanepoel appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court last week facing a total of 11 criminal charges.

Charges

The charges include five counts under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, two counts under the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-Law for allegedly keeping unsterilised dogs older than six months and keeping more animals than permitted on a residential property, as well as one count under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).

The pair also face two counts of fraud and one count of contravening their bail conditions.

The matter has been postponed to 15 April 2026.

Raid Followed Complaints

According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the case stems from a raid conducted by SPCA inspectors on 2 May 2025 after the organisation obtained a search warrant from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.

SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said inspectors entered the premises following complaints and evidence suggesting animals were being kept in violation of the Animals Protection Act.

Inspectors allegedly discovered disturbing conditions, including dogs tethered on short chains or ropes that severely restricted their movement and animals without access to clean drinking water.

Puppies were reportedly confined in small enclosures, while inside the house inspectors found strong foul odours and unsanitary conditions, with animals kept in rooms containing large accumulations of faeces, urine and refuse.

SPCA inspectors removed 13 dogs, eight puppies, a cat and three containers of fish, which were placed in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.

The organisation also reported discovering containers of stagnant water containing Nile Tilapia, a listed invasive species regulated under environmental legislation.

WARNING: The following video may upset sensitive readers

Separate Case in Athlone

Pieterse is also facing a separate criminal case in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.

In that matter, he is accused of unlawfully performing veterinary procedures without being registered with the South African Veterinary Council.

According to the SPCA, Pieterse allegedly attempted to treat a dog with a torn ear by using super glue and aloe without cleaning the wound or administering pain relief or antibiotics.

Court Developments

During the latest court proceedings:

• Pieterse terminated the mandate of his previous private attorney and appointed a new legal representative.
• Swanepoel is now represented by Legal Aid South Africa.
• The court was informed that the accused had allegedly changed their residential address without notifying the court, which constitutes a breach of bail conditions.

The SPCA’s legal representative, Jaco Pieterse of Gishen McLeod Attorneys, attended the court proceedings on behalf of the organisation.

Public Warning Over Donations

The SPCA has warned members of the public to exercise caution when donating to individuals claiming to run animal rescue organisations.

Abraham said investigators discovered that donations had allegedly been paid directly into the personal bank account of Pieterse.

“No reputable animal welfare organisation will request donations to be paid into the personal bank account of staff members, volunteers or founders,” she said.

The SPCA encouraged the public to verify charities and ensure donations are made to official organisational accounts.

The organisation said it remains committed to ensuring that the law is enforced and that those responsible for animal cruelty are held accountable.