Local animal welfare authorities have rescued over 100 live, neglected fish from a residential property in Fish Hoek, Cape Town.
According to reports, the fish were being kept in an incredibly contaminated swimming pool.
Despite repeated warnings by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the homeowner failed to both provide adequate care and improve the conditions of the filthy, stagnated pool.
120 FISH REMOVED FROM FISH HOEK POOL
Acting on a warrant issued by the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court on 14 January 2026, inspectors from the SPCA – assisted by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit – effected their rescue operation.
Per The Cape Times, 120 fish in total were removed from the swimming pool over the course of six-and-a-half hours.
Seven fish perished, and two were already in a compromised condition following their removal. As for the rest, they were transported to the SPCA for further assessment and treatment.
SWIMMING POOL TURNED CESSPOOL
The water in the pool harbouring the fish was said to be “extremely poor” and containing large amounts of waste. This made it difficult for the six officials involved to catch the fish using nets.
They also found items such as plastic bags, brooms, dustpans and skateboards in the pool.
Additional challenges included being unable to drain the pool via the fixed pool pump, prompting the use of mobile pumps. However, an electric pump broke down; as such, a petrol pump was deployed to complete the operation.
SPCA ISSUES WARNING AFTER FISH HOEK OPERATION
When it comes to animal cruelty and neglect, fish are often left out of the conversation.
However, perpetrating heinous acts against fish carries serious consequences under the Animal Protection Act. This time last year, a Johannesburg businessman faced criminal charges after force-feeding a fish alcohol.
Following the rescue operation in Fish Hoek, the SPCA issued a stern warning:
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA emphasises that enforcement action is always a last resort. We always first seek voluntary compliance through education and lawful notices. However, where animals continue to be exposed to conditions that cause unnecessary suffering, the SPCA will not hesitate to approach the courts and take decisive, lawful action to protect animal welfare.
Here’s hoping animal owners will take heed of these words.
