120 fish rescued from contaminated swimming pool in Fish Hoek

A total of 120 fish were removed from a contaminated pool at a house in Fish Hoek in a challenging six and a half hour operation involving Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors and law enforcement.

Two fish were already in a compromised condition, and seven fish died shortly after arrival despite intervention, the SPCA said.

The remaining fish were taken into SPCA care for further assessment and treatment.

The organisation said inspectors assisted by Law Enforcement’s Animal Control Unit executed a warrant issued by the Simon’s Town Magistrates court on January 14 to remove fish being kept in unacceptable and unhygienic conditions at a residential property.

The SPCA became involved following the receipt of a cruelty complaint. 

“Over the course of several inspections, SPCA Inspectors observed that a swimming pool was being used to house fish in stagnant, green, and heavily contaminated water. Multiple formal warnings were issued; however, the conditions did not improve, adequate care was not provided, and attempts to secure voluntary compliance were unsuccessful,” the SPCA said

Inspectors also encountered resistance and a refusal to engage meaningfully. 

“Due to ongoing non-compliance and the reasonable belief that the fish were suffering unnecessarily, the SPCA applied to the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court for a warrant.”

When officials gained access to the property, the swimming pool was found to be in the same condition previously found. 

“The water quality was extremely poor, with limited visibility, and the pool was found to contain large amounts of waste. Items recovered from the water included plastic bags, plastic materials, skateboards, brooms, dustpans, pots, and other household refuse.”

Initial attempts to remove the fish using nets were largely unsuccessful due to the condition of the water. The fixed pool pump was unable to drain the pool, necessitating the deployment of mobile pumps. 

“An electric pump failed during the operation, and a petrol pump was ultimately used to complete the task, despite repeated interruptions,” the SPCA said.

The operation took about six and a half hours and involved a coordinated team of six officials.

“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.”

Cape Times