Key Points
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Carol-Ann Ratcliff was sentenced for animal cruelty and operating an illegal shelter.
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The NSPCA found neglect and cruelty at Pet Haven.
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Ratcliff was banned from owning animals for five years.
Carol-Ann Ratcliff, the owner of Pet Haven in the Eastern Cape, has received a suspended sentence after she was found guilty of running an illegal animal shelter and committing animal cruelty.
The court handed her a two-year sentence, which is suspended for three years, provided no further offenses occur during that period.
Disturbing conditions discovered at Pet Haven
In July 2024, the NSPCA responded to a complaint about Pet Haven. Inspectors found animals crammed into filthy cages with contaminated water and many suffering from untreated wounds and illnesses. Ratcliff was also collecting donations without legally registering the shelter.
Jacques Peacock, a spokesperson for the NSPCA, explained that Ratcliff falsely accused NSPCA inspectors and police officers of intimidation. However, the state rejected her claim, and the NSPCA pressed on with the investigation, eventually leading to a successful conviction.
Ratcliff banned from animal ownership for five years
Ratcliff will not be allowed to own or care for animals for the next five years, including her own pets.
The Bloemfontein SPCA has taken in all the animals from Ratcliff’s shelter and home. These animals will receive proper care and will soon be placed in loving homes.
The NSPCA urges anyone who suspects animal cruelty to contact their local SPCA or the NSPCA immediately.
Mahanaimfeet Sanctuary under investigation
In a separate case, Mahanaimfeet Sanctuary, run by Ockert Kruger, has also come under scrutiny. Despite promoting itself as a safe haven for animals, inspectors found severe neglect.
After an urgent court warrant, the SPCA removed several critically ill animals. A follow-up inspection led to the removal of 75 more dogs from the sanctuary.
The SPCA is taking legal action to prevent Kruger from acquiring more animals.
