A Middelburg animal shelter has been closed and its owner convicted, sentenced, and declared unfit to care for animals following a successful prosecution by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).
On 09 April 2025, Carol-Ann Ratcliff of “Pet Haven” animal shelter, was convicted on three counts in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The conviction results from an inspection conducted by the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) that uncovered continued abuse, neglect, and cruelty at the illegal shelter.
On 18 July 2024, Inspectors responded to a cruelty complaint at the shelter in the Eastern Cape, where they encountered disturbing scenes of neglect and cruelty. Animals were crammed into filthy cages with dirty and contaminated water sources. Many animals were suffering from untreated illnesses and wounds. The shelter was operating illegally and collecting donations without being a registered organisation.
After this inspection, the offender laid a false charge of intimidation against both the NSPCA team and the South African Police Service officers who accompanied us – an apparent attempt to derail the investigation and deter further action. The State declined to prosecute the false charge, and the NSPCA continued its efforts undeterred, ultimately securing a successful conviction.
A 24-month prison sentence was handed down to the offender, suspended for three years on condition that no further offences are committed during that period. The offender was ordered to cease operating the shelter with immediate effect.
The court also ordered that all animals be removed by the NSPCA within twenty-four hours. The offender has been declared unfit to own or be in charge of any animal for the next five years, including her own animals. All the animals from the shelter and the offender’s residence have been transferred to the Bloemfontein SPCA, where they will finally receive the love and care they deserve and placed in happy homes.
Carol-Ann Ratcliff of “Pet Haven” has been convicted on three counts in terms of the APA
“This case is a stark reminder that cruelty can be hidden behind the veil of compassion,” said Senior Inspector de Klerk, who manages the NSPCAs’ SPU. “Sadly, the public believed they were supporting important rescue work, while unknowingly funding serious neglect and suffering.”
Unfortunately, many so-called “shelters” become glorified hoarding situations, all under the guise of compassion and care. The NSPCA stands for quality of life practices over policies that only do more harm to the animals, who are already left vulnerable.
The NSPCA urges members of the public to immediately contact their local SPCA or the NSPCA if they suspect animal cruelty.
We give our greatest thanks to the Bloemfontein SPCA, who assisted the NSPCA in taking the animals in, and who will care for them with compassion, while they wait for caring homes. Any adoption enquiries can be made directly to the Bloemfontein SPCA at 051 447 3801.
The NSPCA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will conduct regular follow-up inspections to ensure that the offender complies with the court order and does not reoffend.
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
Latest News Posts
Will You Be the One Who Takes Action?
Most people will scroll past this. But will you be the one who stands up for animals?
Animal welfare isn’t always in the spotlight, but it changes lives – for every neglected, abused, or suffering animal we help. Our teams work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, ensuring animals across South Africa are protected.
This work is relentless. The challenges are immense. But with more hands, hearts, and resources, we can do even more.
The equation is simple: the more supporters we have, the greater our reach, the stronger our impact.
Be part of the change. Become an NSPCA Project Partner today. From just R50 per month, you can help ensure that no animal suffers in silence.
