Concerns have been raised about the management of the K9 security unit at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) following reports of dogs being removed from the facility.
Image: Supplied/Cape ETC
According to residents who spoke to Cape {Town} Etc on condition of anonymity, four dogs were taken from the park last Wednesday after allegations of neglect. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA conducted an inspection following these reports.
Claims made by residents included that some dogs were not adequately exercised or cared for and that one had suffered an untreated injury.
Project WatchDog, an organisation that funds the K9 programme, has reportedly suspended its support, with plans to relocate the dogs to the Kruger National Park’s larger operation pending changes in TMNP’s K9 unit management.
TMNP recently allocated R600 000 for new kennels at Kloofnek. However, residents allege that many of these kennels remain unused, with only two dogs currently at the site.
Community groups, including Friends of Table Mountain and Love Our Trails, submitted a petition to the Minister of Environmental Affairs. The petition, which has received over 11 000 signatures, outlines concerns about the park’s management, including infrastructure maintenance, alien vegetation clearing, and crime prevention measures.
In response to the allegations, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA told Cape {town} Etc that no dogs were confiscated or removed from SANParks custody. The organisation said it issued a written warning following its inspection, after which SANParks complied with the required improvements.
‘It appears that the decision to remove the dogs was taken by SANParks itself,’the SPCA stated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SANParks confirmed that a review of the TMNP Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) K9 Unit had been conducted. The review led to strategic decisions, including the retirement of some dogs based on age and health.
SANParks said it is upgrading the TMNP K9 kennels and implementing ongoing training and enrichment programmes for both dogs and handlers.
‘Looking ahead, newly trained dogs and handlers will be integrated into the SEAM Unit to ensure continued excellence in operations,’ SANParks said.
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