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The SPCA is teaming up with Cape Town police to help curb animal cruelty in the most gang-ridden neighbourhoods.

The partnership, launched in April, has paired SPCA inspectors with police officers in raids on suspected gang and drug dealers' homes in Athlone.

The inspectors gain access to check for signs of animal abuse. They bring on board their know-how and equipment for handling aggressive guard dogs - R4 000 handling gloves and R2 000 control poles, for instance.

"We are able to go into areas, homes and (see) living conditions of animals that we would never be able to get to if it weren't for police assistance," said Andries Venter, chief inspector for the SPCA.

Each of the once-a-week sets of raids has led to the rescue of between seven and 13 animals.

To help curb the uncontrolled breeding that leads to strays' poor care, the inspectors offer to take excess animals from owners who can no longer afford to care for their pets. They also offer free neutering services and distribute information about animal care.

"When you go into a rough community, uncontrolled breeding is the biggest problem. You have loads of puppies running around that no one wants," Venter said.

"We were asked by the community and thanked by neighbours for coming out and helping."

SPCA inspectors have also been posted at roadblocks to check that animals are being transported properly.

On Wednesday, they received a call to discuss the possibility of extending the partnership to other areas.

"The partnership with the police has (increased) our respect in the community," SPCA spokesperson Cher Poznanovich said.

Animal neglect and abuse were most widespread and severe in Cape Town's high-poverty neighbourhoods, she said.

"The people are living in conditions worse than those in which some animals live. We had one man say 'Please take these animals away, we can't even feed ourselves'."

Teaming up with the SPCA had also enhanced the credibility of SA Police Service (SAPS) programmes to adopt and train dogs for police work, said Senior Superintendent Tlomatsana Mohlabi.

Many people interested in giving dogs to the SAPS had misgivings.

"The question was, what would happen if the dogs didn't make the grade?" Mohlabi said.

"The dogs that don't make our standards, we can always give them to the SPCA."

Poznanovich said a chain email that was doing the rounds, saying the SPCA was closing because of a lack of funds, was a hoax.

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