National Coloured Congress leader and Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams is facing animal cruelty charges following an investigation into the conditions in which animals were kept at his property, including an African Grey parrot that the SPCA said showed signs of illness and neglect.
Also see: Fadiel Adams returns to court as legal battle continues
Parrot lands Fadiel Adams in hot water
The case stems from an investigation that began in April 2024, when the Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded to concerns about the living conditions of dogs on the property.
Cape {town} Etc previously reported that during the inspection, an inspector also noticed a caged African Grey parrot that appeared to be neglected.
SPCA visits Fadiel Adams
The SPCA said the bird had severe feather loss, prompting inspectors to issue a written warning for it to be examined by a veterinarian specialising in exotic birds.
However, the organisation said subsequent attempts to conduct follow-up inspections were unsuccessful. It alleged that Adams accused inspectors of harassment and refused them access to the property.
The SPCA said that, during discussions about a further inspection, Adams warned an inspector to “tread very carefully.” Inspectors were allegedly denied access again when they returned at the agreed time.
After encountering resistance, the SPCA approached the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court and obtained an order on 2 July 2024 to facilitate an inspection under the relevant provisions of the Animals Protection Act.
Also see: Madlanga Commission: JP Smith hits back at Fadiel Adams’ claims
Inspectors later returned to the property accompanied by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In its account of the operation, the SPCA said: “The owner was informed of the court order but responded with threats, claiming the Inspectors ‘do not know who they are dealing with.’ Despite this, our team proceeded with the inspection.”
Parrot allegedly in bad state
Upon examining the African Grey parrot, it was clear that the bird’s condition had deteriorated. The owner had not followed the veterinarian’s advice, and the bird was living in filthy conditions with an unsuitable cage, adding to its stress.
The parrot, which was concluded to have been suffering from a respiratory infection and osteoarthritis at that stage, was subsequently confiscated and taken to an avian and exotic veterinarian for further assessment.
The veterinarian concluded that it was inhumane to keep the bird in such conditions, as untreated, the bird would continue to suffer.
Tensions continued following the confiscation, with Adams reportedly demanding the return of his parrot, as per News24 and challenging the animal welfare organisation to take him to court.
“Why are they picking on my bird,” the publication quoted Adams as saying. “And why involve the police too? It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money. They should get off my property.”
The publication added that Adams also claimed he rescued the parrot when he initially bought it, saying it was “under care and medication when the SPCA intervened.”
Adams appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on 8 October 2026, as reported by Cape Times. He is expected to return to court on 22 November for plea and trial proceedings.
Featured image: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu
Originally published by Cape{town}etc.
Also see: Fadiel Adams to face further questions at Madlanga Commission
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