St Francis Bay – Dead piglets found in a pond and surrounding bush in Malema, Sea Vista, have raised concerns about animal welfare, pig-keeping conditions and the disposal of animal carcasses.

Founder and chairperson of St Francis Animal Rescue, Susan Rae Fox, raised concerns about what she described as severe negligence and cruelty among some pig owners in Sea Vista.

Concerns over pig welfare

“These pigs are cooped up in small, filthy pens, most without shelter, and given insufficient food and water. To throw dead and dying pigs in a pool of dirty water is a disgrace,” said Fox.

“Something must be done to shut down the piggeries and stop the breeding of unhealthy pigs once and for all. This is a horrific health hazard for all living in this area.”

Fox also raised concerns about pigs allowed to roam and feed on rubbish, waste, plastic and filth. According to her, the animals are generally unvaccinated and are not treated for worms, leaving many thin and unhealthy.

“A large percentage of piglets die from lack of nutrition, are attacked by dogs or are stolen for food,” said Fox.

She said St Francis Animal Rescue volunteers were directed to a large pond at the back of Malema, where they saw the bodies of dead pigs floating in the water.

Fox said residents had also complained about a strong smell of rotting flesh, which led to the discovery of dead and decaying pigs buried in the bush. “There is no doubt these pigs were taken to this area to be disposed of by their owners,” said Fox.

“Without forensic analysis, it is impossible to determine whether the pigs died from swine fever or from neglect and poor nutrition.”

SPCA responds to allegations

Louise Bakkes of SPCA Assisi Humansdorp said its inspections had not found evidence of pigs being without food, overcrowding or animals that were actively dying or seriously ill.

She said the organisation was aware of the situation and that pig-related issues had been ongoing for several years.

Bakkes said the matter was first brought to their attention in November 2025.

She said the SPCA immediately commenced welfare inspections and continued attending to individual pig cages until owners complied with welfare requirements, or until the pigs were slaughtered or sold.

“The majority of the concerns identified related to the living environment around the pig cages, the conditions inside some of the cages, lack of access to water, often because pigs had tipped over their water bowls, and inadequate shelter,” said Bakkes.

She said the SPCA recommenced inspections of the pig sites in Malema in August.

“During our inspections, we did not find evidence of pigs being without food. Most of the owners feed their pigs in the mornings and again in the late afternoon. We also did not observe overcrowding during our inspections,” said Bakkes.

However, she said unsanitary conditions were observed in areas where people live and move around.

“Such conditions are unhealthy for both livestock and humans, particularly where people are living in close proximity to livestock,” said Bakkes.

Dead pigs found in Malema

The SPCA also inspected sites where dead pigs had allegedly been found in a pond and buried in the bush.

Bakkes said they were informed the pigs had already been removed by the municipality or community members.

“At present, no one has been able to provide us with information identifying the owners of the pigs in question,” said Bakkes.

She said the SPCA had been in contact with the municipality, which took a pig to a veterinarian for assessment.

“At the time of our discussions with the municipality, no African swine fever had been confirmed in pigs in our area by the State Veterinarian,” said Bakkes.

She urged members of the public to report concerns about animal welfare, neglect or possible abuse immediately.

Bakkes said all matters reported are treated with confidentiality and handled anonymously.

“These matters should be reported to us immediately so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action,” said Bakkes.

She said the SPCA is waiting for the municipality to provide a date for a meeting to discuss issues affecting animals and people living in the area.

Bakkes also said a joint inspection with the Stock Theft Unit is planned.

Piglets died from pneumonia

Municipal Manager Charl du Plessis confirmed that the municipality is aware of the matter and that pig carcasses had been removed.

He said the municipality received a complaint on 28 July but that the issue was ongoing and not a new occurrence.

“Conditions tend to deteriorate following periods of heavy rainfall, when pig pens remain wet and take longer to dry, as well as during drought and periods of extreme heat,” said Du Plessis.

He said municipal officials inspected the area with the SPCA and local veterinary practitioners and found that the animals were primarily piglets.

“The carcasses were collected and submitted to the Humansdorp veterinarian for a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was diagnosed as pneumonia,” said Du Plessis.

He said the municipality has not been able to identify who was responsible for disposing of the carcasses.

Du Plessis said the municipality works with State Veterinary Services and the SPCA on animal welfare education and intervention.

Carcass disposal may lead to fines

He confirmed that improper disposal of animal carcasses in open areas or water bodies is not permitted and may contravene applicable municipal by-laws, environmental-health regulations and waste-management requirements.

“Where the owner or individual responsible can be identified, appropriate enforcement action, including the issuing of a fine, may be taken,” said Du Plessis.

He said the municipality intends to conduct a follow-up inspection with the SPCA in September.

Regarding conditions at pig-keeping properties, Du Plessis said there was currently no evidence of overcrowding and that many pig pens were empty.

“Heavy rainfall has resulted in muddy conditions, while some animals have had insufficient shelter,” said Du Plessis.

He also said no confirmed cases of African swine fever have been reported in the area.

Du Plessis said the municipality was also working with Humane World for Animals on an initiative aimed at supporting a transition from pig farming to plant-based agricultural alternatives.

For more information or to report concerns about animal welfare, contact the SPCA on 066 297 9010 or on their emergency number, 073 121 8963.

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