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SA sees growing trend of robbers poisoning pets before striking

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SA sees growing trend of robbers poisoning pets before striking

A poisoned dog will start convulsing and will look as if worms are crawling on the body. The dog will vomit, drool and its pupils may change size.

SA sees growing trend of robbers poisoning pets before striking

 More and more animals are being poisoned with illegally obtained poisons in South Africa, says the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).

“Death by poisoning is arguably the most cruel and inhumane way to kill an animal. Aldicarb (alternatively known as two-step or Temik) is most commonly used to poison dogs.

“Criminals often use these illegal poisons to maliciously kill dogs before committing another crime, such as breaking and entering or motor vehicle theft.

“Our wildlife does not escape unharmed either and many fall victim to mass poisonings as a result of poison-laced bait,” the NSPCA said.

It said that Aldicarb is identified by small black grains that look like poppy seeds and should only be handled with gloves if spotted.

“A poisoned dog will start convulsing and will look as if worms are crawling on the body. The dog will vomit, drool and pupils may change size.

“Unfortunately, there is no antidote for Aldicarb and it is a fast-acting poison, but if you can get your companion to a veterinarian in time, they may be able to neutralise the poison. Time is of the essence.”

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said it received a fair amount of cases of animals being poisoned, adding that it fluctuates throughout the year.

SPCA spokesperson Tara McGovern said the poisons were easy to come by and the organisations was thinking there should be stricter regulations around them.

“It is easy for people to buy illegal poisons or just to buy any rat poison from the shop.

“Many people don’t know that it is illegal to use a poison registered for use on a specific animal, such as a rodent or insect, on any other animal,” McGovern said.

She said animals suffered immensely when they were poisoned.

“A rodent can take up to five days to die. But for other animals, it would depend on the type of poison ingested and the amount.

“Dogs may die within 20 minutes. We believe that animals are sentient and able to feel pain and suffering.”

McGovern said pet owners should be made aware as it could happen to anyone.

“Be vigilant by looking for pieces of food that may be seen lying around the yard or placed on walls or even in your next door neighbour’s yard.

“Criminals also throw poisoned pieces of food over walls before they break in,” she said

“Immediate treatment may include: administering activated charcoal to slow absorption.

“Administering a laxative. Keep animal warm with a light blanket. Administer a drug, such as Atropine, to reverse the damage caused by the poison and out animal on a drip.

“Your animal may need to stay at the vet’s for a day or two for observation depending on severity. Ask the vet to do a toxicology test and supply a veterinary report that can be used to open a case.

“Photographic evidence and any other evidence, such as the pieces of food or poison, need also to be collected and handed in as evidence,” McGovern said.

Source: IOL

NSPCA offers R30000 dog-fighting reward

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NSPCA

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has offered a R30000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of dog fighters.

Their Special Investigations Unit has noted a spike in reported incidents nationally, and in some cases the dogs have had to be put down due to their injuries. The American pit bull terrier is the most popular dog breed among dog fighters.

Special Investigations Unit manager Wendy Willson said that in the past few years they’d had multiple successes, and had saved hundreds of dogs.

“The fights are brutal and the dogs suffer the most traumatic injuries. The dogs used for dog fighting are almost exclusively American pit bull terriers, however at the less sophisticated dog-fighting levels the perpetrators may occasionally also use similar breeds such as bull terriers or Staffordshire terriers,” she said.

“At this low level of dog fighting dogs are often sourced from ‘free to a good home adverts’ or stolen from less vigilant pet owners.”

Willson said dog fighting was a crime that had a significant negative impact on the community because of its violent nature. It was often linked with other crimes, particularly interpersonal violence and control crimes such as woman and child abuse.

“It is an indicator of concurrent violence in a community. Dog fighting is particularly detrimental to children who are often exposed to this crime. In children it erodes empathy and can lead to future violence,” she said.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA urged the public to report incidents of dog fighting, saying very few cases were actually reported to them.

“We would like the public to know that we treat all complaints with strict confidentiality and anonymity, and appeal to them to report any suspicious activities related to this heinous crime,” Willson said.

Suspected dog fighting activities can be anonymously reported at 0119073590 or email specialinvestigations@nspca.co.za

Source: IOL

Cape SPCA launches more animal-themed face masks

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SPCA - Corona mask

Following an unprecedented response to their first line of animal-themed face masks, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has launched a new line with even more styles.

The new selection of masks includes styles for yorkie-lovers, golden retriever fans, rottweiler owners and even a ginger cat option.

SPCA - Corona mask

The masks are not only a necessity when leaving the house, they are also a great way to support a worthy cause while ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you during the lockdown and beyond.

Every cent spent on the masks goes towards animals in need, and helps the Cape of Good Hope SPCA protect and serve vulnerable animals around Cape Town.

As the only SPCA in Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has been supporting the SPCA movement in South Africa since 1872.

The SPCA’s dedicated teams help countless animals every day by relocating them to safety, taking them out of abusive homes and tending to their medical needs, no matter the time of day.

SPCA - Corona mask

Locals are encouraged to grab their masks before it’s too late as they are flying off the shelves. They cost R50 each.

You can now get your favourite face masks design at your nearest Cape of Good Hope SPCA Vet Shop and online at www.shopcapespca.co.za.

Source: Cape Town Etc
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SPCA calls for information regarding abandoned animals

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SPCA calls for information regarding abandoned animals

THE five rabbits that were found, with twelve guinea pigs and two chickens, dumped at Wessel Lourens Dam, in Vredekloof last week.

Cape Town – The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is seeking the public’s assistance with information that can lead to a successful prosecution of a perpetrator, believed to have been responsible for dumping a variety of animals in Brackenfell last week.

Twelve guinea pigs, five rabbits and two chickens were found dumped at Wessel Lourens Dam, in Vredekloof, and were found by a member of the public, who reported the matter to the SPCA.

SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abrahams said four of the rabbits were found hunched up and petrified in one of the dog kennels (at the entrance of the dam), while the fifth was found being chased by the residents.

She said the twelve guinea pigs were found in a box – that was taped up – with babies, with no food or water, and were malnourished. She said they were sitting on top of each other.

“They had absolutely no way of escaping, as the box was sealed with tape.The chickens were running on the road, confused and scared. We are calling on the community for any information that can lead to a successful prosecution in this matter. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA appeals to members of the public to be vigilant and report any incidents immediately, where animals are abandoned,” she said.

Abrahams said it was a criminal offence, in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, to abandon any animal.

Animal Welfare Society of South Africa spokesperson Allan Perrins said hundreds of animals get abandoned in Cape Town every year. Perrins said there was no need for anyone to abandon their animals.

“We have a non-selective admissions policy and offer a sanctuary to hundreds of unwanted and abandoned animals annually. Domestic animals are almost entirely dependent on their owners for their welfare and well-being, so anyone who turns their back on their pets is almost certainly condemning them to an avoidably slow and agonising death,” he said

Perrins said pet abandonment, in all its evil forms, was inexcusable and totally avoidable – and comes at a huge price to the animal and to shelters with a non-selective admissions policy.

“It can take many man hours and a lot of money to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home an abandoned animal. When not recovered by animal welfare organisations, they become feral marauders.

“Once they are labelled as such, they suffer unimaginable cruelty at the hands of intolerant home owners and road users. Many contract diseases and become infested with parasites, resulting in a rapid deterioration and painful death,” said Perrins.

He said people should surrender their animals to their nearest animal welfare shelter regardless of its condition or reasons for surrender.

Anyone with the information on the matter can email inspmanager@spca-ct.co.za or call 021 700 4158/9 during office hours.

Source: IOL

What is included in the SPCA’s responsibility?

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Oct 2022 - SPCA’S RESPONSIBILITY

Image shared by Bethal SPCA

When you understand the mandate of the SPCA, you may be able to help animals more effectively.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which in short is SPCA, aims to protect all animals from cruelty, neglect and ill-treatment that often results from ignorance about animals and their needs, although it is no excuse. The SPCA has authority basically in terms of any animal’s welfare. The local municipality and police in each town are however responsible for certain complaints about animals like those causing a nuisance or disturbance of the peace.

You are always welcome to contact the SPCA to advise you or help where they can. It is however important to understand their mandate within the local municipality in terms of lost, found, stray or injured animals, selling, deceased and nuisance complaints.  There is more to the mandate than what we discuss below, especially when it comes to practices like hunting, performing animals in circus or aquariums, illegal wildlife trade next to the road and more.

JURISDICTION
Every SPCA has a jurisdictional area wherein they operate.  Contact your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA if there is not one nearby.

Some situations that may appear as though the SPCA must get involved, aren’t actually within their mandate. Their mandate is to prevent cruelty, and in a country that spans over a million square kilometers, their Inspectors must place their focus on cases where the Animals Protection Act is being contravened. Please consider the following guidelines:

Barking Dogs
Barking dogs does not fall within their mandate and you should contact your local Municipality or police station to lodge a formal complaint regarding barking dogs. If it sounds more like distressed barking, please contact the SPCA to investigate at that address.

Stray Animals
The local Municipality in each town is responsible for complaints regarding stray animals, which include animals in the street, animals causing a nuisance, or animals attacking people & other animals. Please contact your local Municipality or police station for assistance in this matter.

However, if you can enclose a stray, please do so and take the animal to the nearest SPCA. If a stray animal appears thin, sick, injured, or in distress, you should immediately contact your local SPCA emergency number! Call until they answer, don’t send a message and especially no emergencies via Facebook because these pages aren’t monitored 24/7.

Many of the SPCA, even though it is not part of their mandate, might pick up strays and especially those that are reported as being on the street for a long period as well as “power breeds” used for dog fighting.

If an animal is constantly on the street and you know who the owners are, you can contact the SPCA and request a proactive inspection at the owner’s home. Please do this to help the animal.

Deceased Animals
The local Municipality in each town is responsible for the collection of dead animals in puclic areas. If you do find a deceased animal lying in the street, please try and move the body out of the way.  It might be helpful to take a picture and send it to your local lost and found groups so they can give closure to someone whose pet was lost.

The Selling of Animals
The SPCA opposes the sale/trading of animals, however, it is not illegal to trade with domestic animals and therefore, they have no jurisdiction to intervene unless there are welfare concerns. There are certain regulations to be followed in terms of welfare which they can investigate and act upon. If you are unsure, rather let them investigate. In the case of any breeders (registered or backyard), they need the breeder’s address to conduct a proactive inspection (we often ask for this) which you can request or an inspection if you actually see welfare concerns including lack of food and water, distress, confinement, etc.

Side note: The selling of animals goes against Facebook community standards and should be reported to the Facebook group admins and Facebook itself.  If the seller does not mention a price in the post, ask for it in the comments and report that comment too.  If they use the word adoption, ask for their NPO/NPC registration number. If they can’t provide theirs or they have one and do not include sterilization and home checks, then they should not be using the word adoption.

MANDATE AND POWERS OF INSPECTORS
In South Africa, SPCA Inspectors are authorized in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (as amended) and the Performing Animals Protection Act No. 24 of 1935 (as amended) and undertakes most of all animal welfare investigations and prosecutions in South Africa.

This means that in terms of both the Acts mentioned above, qualified inspectors with magisterial authorization have the powers that include the obtaining of search and seizure warrants to enter any premises and seize any animal to prevent suffering. The SPCAs work with local law enforcement and when individuals are in contravention of the provisions of the Animals Protection Act, it can lead to an arrest, including the abondoning of an animal. Keep in mind it is not always as simple as to just remove an animal.

ABOUT SPCA OPERATIONS
The public can take animals to the SPCA that seem lost, abandoned or whose owners did not keep them safe in their yards. For animals in danger or injured, they will go out ASAP!

Pound period
When an animal is taken to the SPCA there is a pound period. The pound period is mainly determined by the local municipal bylaws for animals. According to these local laws the SPCA can either euthanize or adopt the animal out after the pound period. Pound periods can vary between SPCAs from 5 to 14 days. 

During the pound period, they do not advertise animals, but owners who have lost pets can contact them, send an email with pictures and details, but the best option is to visit the kennels to see if your pet has been taken to them. Follow up and visit frequently.  Remember that they work with many animals a day and different volunteers, so it is crucial that you go in to check.

Claiming your lost animal
Owners who claim these animals during the pound period might need to pay for sterilization, micro-chipping, collar ID deworming, vaccinations and pound fees per day, for their care. This will be determined by the SPCA’s policy.

If an owner claims the animal after the pound period, they will need to go through the adoption process.

When someone’s animal is constantly in the street.  Please take them to the SPCA as the owner can then explain to the SPCA why they allow their animals in the street, they will have to meet all the above requirements for claiming an animal and will be subject to a home check too.

Surrendering an animal
If you can no longer take care of your animal, you can surrender them to your nearest SPCA by signing a document that transfers ownership to the SPCA in a “no questions asked” kind of way. However, if you dump the animal in the street or leave them behind when you move and they find you, it is contraventions of the Animals Protection Act and will have serious repercussions.

Euthanasia
If your pet is suffering and or severely ill, please do not let them suffer any further because you can’t afford to put them to sleep.  You can surrender them to the SPCA at no cost (consider a donation though) to end their suffering humanely as soon as possible.

ALWAYS REPORT CRUELTY
Please report animal cruelty directly to your local SPCA. If you suspect cruelty or are unsure, please report it immediately so they can investigate. There is a legal process they have to follow which may include first only a notice to comply or a warning, etc.  The animal can’t just be removed without evidence, so report it even if you are unsure and when it happens again. Try to get evidence if you can do this safely.   All of this can speed up the process to remove the animal. These reports can be done anonymously.

Oct 2022 - SPCA’S RESPONSIBILITY

SPCA REPORT CRUELTY – Image as shared by Bethal SPCA

Please save the contact numbers in advance, especially the emergency ones!

Highveld Ridge SPCA (Evander):

  • Office: (082) 869 2350 / (017) 6322654
  • Emergency number: (082) 222 1122 / (067) 114 7206
  • info@hrspca.co.za

Bethal SPCA:

Before you blame the SPCA, please go and volunteer, to better understand.  Become a member so you can have a say through voting at the AGM. Please sterilize your pets, keep them safe in your yard, keep them healthy, meet their needs and also make sure your microchip is registered on multiple databases. 

Remember that when an animal is a “nuisance” to you, it is not the animal’s fault, but a human who failed them. Thank you to each who supports the reputable local animal welfare organizations, so they can continue the good work. Next week we will look at what to do if your pet dies at home.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

*Please note that I write this as someone who has been involved with the SPCA, but does not represent the SPCA here in any way.

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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5 Days, 2 Raids, 2 Fighting Pits, 12 Dogs, 3 Arrests

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Dogs

5 Days, 2 Raids, 2 Fighting Pits, 12 Dogs, 3 Arrests

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, continues its relentless pursuit of justice against the cruel and criminal enterprise of dogfighting.

Following a successful raid in Ottery, where we rescued five dogs, we have now uncovered yet another dogfighting ring in Eerste River.

This update provides new developments on our ongoing investigation and highlights a second major breakthrough in just five days.

EERSTE RIVER RAID UNCOVERS DOG FIGHTING RING

In an operation today, 3rd February 2025, our Inspectors, supported by Law Enforcement, raided two properties in the Eerste River area, where we found seven dogs living in horrific conditions. As in the crackdown of the property in Ottery, we found a collapsed dogfighting pit, stained with blood – grim evidence of the brutal organised fights that had taken place there.

Dogs

Dogs were found on heavy chains, deprived of water, and the females were clearly being used for breeding purposes, either for financial gains of a winning bloodline or simply to sustain their bloodlust with an ongoing supply of victims.

Dogs

One suspect was arrested on the scene, and we believe further arrests will be made as our investigation progresses. A case has been opened at Kleinvlei South African Police Services.

This latest bust follows our raid in Ottery, where we seized five dogs, two of whom bore unmistakable scars from dogfighting. A dog and a young puppy were found with freshly cropped ears, their wounds still stitched—also a clear act of cruelty under the Animals Protection Act.

Dogs

We also confiscated dogfighting paraphernalia, including a treadmill, break-stick, medication, and we’re in the process of gathering forensic (blood) evidence for DNA testing from the fighting pit. Two suspects have now been arrested, have appeared in court and have been released on bail, in spite of our opposition.

We expect to make further arrests in this case soon.

Dogs

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, who led the operation, stated, “Dogfighting is one of the most heinous forms of cruelty, and we will not stop until those responsible are brought to justice. The suffering these dogs endure is unimaginable, and we are committed to ensuring they get the care they deserve while we fight for justice on their behalf.”

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BRING THESE CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE

Dogfighting is not just an act of cruelty—it is a serious criminal offense. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law. However, we cannot do this alone.

With limited resources, public support is crucial in ensuring that evidence is processed efficiently and results received timeously so that the perpetrators are held accountable. Unfortunately, State services are already stretched to their limits. To ensure that we have what we need as soon as possible, we must make use of private laboratory services.

Help us Prosecute These Dog Fighters

A REWARD FOR JUSTICE

The SPCA offers a R5,000 reward for information that leads to the successful conviction of individuals involved in dogfighting. We urge the public to come forward with any suspicions or information. Read more about what to look for here 

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse emphasised, “If you see something, say something. These dogs have no voice, but we do. Every report brings us one step closer to shutting down these operations and holding those responsible accountable. Dog fighting is not just a crime against animals, its damaging to society. We need the public to stand with us and take a stand against this horrific crime.”

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

  • It is a crime to be involved in any manner with the fighting of animals or to own, keep, train or breed animals used for fighting.
  • It is also illegal to buy, sell or import these animals.
  • It is a crime to incite / encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight.
  • You are committing a crime if you allow any one of these activities to take place on a property you own, live on or have control of.
  • It is a crime to promote animal fighting for money or entertainment.
  • You are committing a crime if you rent your property or property you manage for animal fighting purposes.
  • It is a crime to watch a dog fight. Even being a spectator at a dog fight is a criminal offence, as is being on the same property where dog fighting is taking place.

A person found guilty for any involvement in dogfighting is liable for a fine of R80,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.

REPORT ANY ACT OF ILLEGAL DOGFIGHTING

Dogfighting reports can be made in strict confidence via email inspmanager@spca-ct.co.za or telephonically by calling 0217004158/9 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also report dogfighting online here

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

Pony rescued from cruel carting

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Pony

Pony rescued from cruel carting

What would you do if you saw a small pony practically buckling under a load too heavy to cart? SPCA Inspector Ayanda Ngcofe didn’t hesitate to intervene and insist that the overburdened animal be detached.

Not only had the pony been forced to cart a broken vehicle without an engine, four passengers had also sat inside it! This absurdly heavy load pushed against the pony’s hindquarters and she had struggled with every step.

As the pony was lame and in distress, Inspector Ngcofe called theSPCA’s Horse Care Unit for help to transport the pony to the SPCA. By now, realising the seriousness of the matter, two of the men tried to flee, but Law Enforcement officers quickly apprehended them.

Pony

An equine specialist veterinarian, who was called to the SPCA to examine the pony, confirmed that the pony was physically incapable of pulling such a burden. The cart and vehicle weighed 990 kgs  (without the four occupants) — almost triple the pony’s own weight of just 360 kgs. It was inhuman and illegal to force the pony to pull such a heavy load.

The four occupants of the cart face animal cruelty charges, and the pony is safe in the care of the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit. 

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

Blood Sweat and Neglect

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Neglect

Blood Sweat and Neglect

Sick. Wounded. Forced to Work.

Three horses. Three cases of cruelty in only three weeks – And cruelty for hire— is exposed as a grim reality for Cape Town’s working horses. These are their stories.

March 5th: Broken, Bleeding, and Still Forced to Work

Inspector Jeffrey Mfini spotted a pony in distress on Spine Road, Mitchells Plain. The pony’s fetlocks were bleeding from deep puncture wounds. Crude, ill-fitting tack dug into him and he was still doing his best, still trying even though every step brought him suffering.

Neglect

“We were his only chance,” says Inspector Mfini, “There was no way I was going to let him work in this state”.

With the help of the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, the SPCA seized the pony. He is now safe, healing at the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit.

March 5th: A Risk with Every Step

Later that same day, Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt came across another pony struggling to pull a cart. She was shod on only one hoof—every step putting her at risk of injury.

Those driving her tried to flee. They failed.

Neglect

“This wasn’t a lack of education or understanding. They knew they were in the wrong,” says Van Der Zandt. “Why else would they attempt to flee?”.

Fortunately, we could count on Law Enforcement’s support and the SPCA took the pony into care. Another pony given a chance to rest, a reprieve from a life sentence of suffering while we fight for a permanent one.

March 17th: Crushed Under an Impossible Load

A dark bay mare, named Willamina, was dragging a scrap car on a cart (the 4th case we have encounted like this recently). The load alone weighed 880kg. The three men riding the cart added even more weight. She was physically buckling. Her body was failing, but they kept pushing. And she also kept trying, because what else could she do?

Neglect

Inspector Van Der Zandt intervened immediately, detaching her from the crushing weight. A seizure notice was issued. Willamina was transported to the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit. Her owner, Moestakiem Jacobs, and his two accomplices—one the owner, the others renters—were arrested under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.

“She was failing under a weight she should never have carried. They didn’t care. We did.” – Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt

Rent for a Day. Used, Abused, Repeat.

These horses weren’t just neglected—they were exploited. Many working horses aren’t even owned by those driving them. They are rented for the day, in conditions of neglect, and then forced to pull loads beyond their strength. This is their life… Neglect, abuse and exploitation on repeat.

Change is Coming.

We have made recommendations to amend the City’s by-laws to better protect working horses. The draft is under review. It will not undo the suffering these horses have endured, but it can help prevent it from happening again.

Until then, we will keep seizing, rescuing, and arresting—until there are no more horses for hire.

A Thank You to Those Who Stand With Us

We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit for their commitment to the animals of Cape Town and their support of the work of the SPCA. Our load is made easier by their service. We’re equally  thankful for every donor who supports the work of our Horse Care Unit.   Thank you for your donations that help us stop this exploitation and protect its victims.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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