NSPCA NEWSLETTER

RESEARCH ETHICS UNIT

The N SPCA actively encourages the development of alternative techniques for research and teaching purposes - ones that do not involve live animals! We strongly support the role of institutional Animal Ethics Committees which have both scientific and independent members to ensure that any use of animals is justified and provides for the welfare of those animals. Of paramount importance are the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs).

All research or teaching using live animals must be carried out in accordance with the South African National Standard for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. This requires a proposal to be assessed and endorsed by an Animal Ethics Committee. The N SPCA is currently represented on 36 Animal Ethics Committees or institutional bodies nationally. 117 Animal Ethics Committee meetings have been scheduled for 2010 to be attended by the N SPCA Research Ethics representatives. It will be a busy year!

 

WILDLIFE UNIT

Threatened or Protected Species Regulations and Captive Lions

Following the unsuccessful court action by the SA Predator Breeders Association against the Minister in 2009, the Department of Environmental Affairs stated that it would focus on achieving the original intention of listing lions as large predators subject to the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations. On 12 January 2010 the Supreme Court of Appeal agreed to hear the appeal by the SA Predator Breeders Association on hunting captive-bred lions in South Africa. A Supreme Court of Appeal official has indicated that the matter could be heard in September or November 2010. Further delays before regulations relating to lions are implemented are therefore anticipated and the fate of more than 3 500 lions in captivity continues to hang in the balance.

The Threatened or Protected Species Regulations initially stipulated that lions raised in captivity must be allowed to range free for two years before being hunted. The SA Predator Breeders Association argues that the clauses concerning lions would make it impossible for predator breeders to make a living and said that this would also have a negative impact on employment in some rural areas and deprive the local economies of significant revenue brought into the country by foreign hunters. The Wildlife Unit will continue in discussions with the Department of Environmental Affairs on this issue.

 

GUARDIANS OF WILDLIFE

The Wildlife Unit has been active in preparing "inspection and care" guidelines for use by SPCAs around the country. These documents will serve as working tools to assist the inspectors in assessing the welfare of various species of wildlife being held in captivity.

The SPCA movement is committed to the protection of all animals and this includes wildlife. Equipping inspectors with knowledge and the confidence to handle wildlife issues in their respective areas is a necessary part of the Wildlife Unit's functioning. It is important to monitor situations within the wildlife industry that may affect the welfare of our country's wild animals, offer advice, and step in if there is exploitation, suffering or cruelty.

Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain.
~Henry David Thoreau

WORKSHOP ATTENDED

Inspectors from the Equine and Farm Animal Units attended a "Hoof-care for Donkeys" workshop at the Ondesterpoort Faculty of Veterinary Science on 15 and 16 January. The workshop was sponsored and presented by The Donkey Sanctuary. A farrier from Mexico was present and he gave practical demonstrations before participants were taken to a local township where they were able to assist local animals by practising (under supervision) their new found skills.

The N SPCA inspectors will utilise these skills in the many outreach and community projects involving equine which are conducted throughout the country. During these projects the N SPCA donates new harnessing and bridles to the owners of donkeys. Old tack is always replaced to prevent these old and potentially harmful items from being used on donkeys or horses again.

 

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The education department has developed and presented two workshops to SPCA animal welfare educators on how to teach interactively. The workshops were well received.

The education department has additional portfolios which include the monitoring and evaluation of welfare standards for pigeon racing, accepting former SAPS dogs for rehoming through individual SPCAs, assessing applications for Performing Animals Protection Act licences relating to the use of dogs for safeguarding as well as monitoring and evaluating field dog trials and providing ethology guidance to SPCAs.

 

PIGEON RACING

Inspection of national lofts is in progress as well as monitoring a long distance race from Gariep Dam which starts on Saturday. Reasons why pigeon racing is a concern are illustrated below in an article from a " bird fancy" website written by racing pigeon "expert", Mr J Barkel.

"There are several tricks that are used to increase the urge to return home during these periods. When the pair have been sitting about fourteen plus days and no sign of hatching, you can hole out one end of an egg, and insert a live cricket or something similar, (jumping beans have been used) and seal the end. The parents will feel the movement and presume that the baby pigeon is about to hatch, this can produce a fast return home, for the bird has a retentive memory. If the eggs are chipping and you have babies hatched elsewhere in the loft, you can borrow that baby and slip it under the pigeon to go to the race about a half an hour before you basket. This will also bring results for a quick return".

So even parental emotions and instincts are not exempt from manipulation and exploitation by those who advocate that the only way is the winning way!

 

SANLAM TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENT

Complaints continue to be received regarding a television advertisement for Sanlam featuring an elephant. Concerns include how elephants are trained and also that it is inappropriate to touch/handle elephants or "tame" them as tourist attractions.

We agree. Contact has been made with Sanlam who were sympathetic to these issues.

 

It would add support if individuals contacted Sanlam directly too. This would add weight and convince the company that members of the public (and not just the N SPCA) felt this way.

www.sanlam.co.za carries contact details. Please note that the advertisement does not breach the Advertising Standards Authority Code. The footage was taken by a staff member of Sanlam whilst on holiday in the far east. That is, filmed in a documentary manner and outside our country.

 

HAITI

The N SPCA is a member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). This organisation is mindful that the earthquake tragedy in Haiti has impacted on animals as well as people. Please go to www.wspa-international.org for an overview of the "disaster liaison team" being sent to assist and for daily updates on the situation.

Until next time

With best regards

Chris Kuch