NSPCA News

E-NEWSLETTER

05 MAY 2010

RESEARCH ETHICS UNIT

A warning in terms of the Animals Protection Act was issued to the owner of a domestic property where rodents were being bred. The warning related to the conditions the animals were being kept in, the lack of food and water plus health issues relating to rats, mice and hamsters. A follow-up visit is being undertaken with a view to the owner voluntarily handing the animals over to the local SPCA.

The Research Ethics Unit advised that their concerns begin at the source of animals: - how and where they are being bred including the conditions, general husbandry, sanitation, hygiene, handling and euthanasia. In this instance, the reaction was one of shock.

The whereabouts of another breeding operation has come to the attention of the Research Ethics Unit and an inspection is being organised.

 

FARM ANIMAL UNIT

We are pleased to announce the conclusion of one prosecution. Owners of the Bundu Bird and Animal Park in Charl Cilliers near Standerton were fined R2 000 and given a 2-months jail sentence suspended for 5 years. Rather than dwelling on the sentences, we prefer to emphasise that they have been found guilty and now have a criminal record. Charges were laid against them relating to the unacceptable conditions the animals were being kept in: - after we had tried to educate them to uplift the standards for over a year. They were also operating without the legally required Performing Animals Protection Act licence which relates to animals in exhibition.

Personnel from our Farm Animal Unit recently spent time in the Alexander Bay, Port Nolloth, and Springbok areas of the Northern Cape. Time was spent on community farm projects there. These projects are well intentioned but without proper mentorships or business experience, they can flounder and become problematic not only for the sponsors. It is the animals who suffer.

Whilst in these areas, the opportunity was taken to spend time on issues including breeding kennels and advice to other animal welfare organisations in the areas. There is little support in these parts of our country - no State veterinarians, very few private veterinarians and no animal welfare operations in most areas. So the more we can assist and give guidance, the better we are equipped to help the animals. This is after all our function and goal.

 

SOCIETY LIAISON UNIT- COFFEE BAY AND HOLE-IN-THE-WALL

A Senior Inspector from the NSPCA's Society Liaison Unit, accompanied by an Inspector from Mthatha SPCA spent 3 days in the Coffee Bay area of the Eastern Cape investigating reports that 18 stray dogs had been beaten to death by youths.

Evidence gathered by the team was handed over to the SAPS who have opened a docket. Several meetings were held with local leaders who called for a community meeting. Sadly there was a very poor turnout but attendees were very positive and receptive. They were pleased to learn that there were humane alternatives and that they could call on the SPCA.

Recognising that education is the key, advantage was taken of being in the area by addressing over 1500 learners at 4 different schools. Information in the form of flyers and posters were handed out at all venues and schools visited, as well as at all backpacker lodges and guest houses which the team also visited to inspect all equines used for the local horse trail industry. 14 establishments were visited. Two warnings in terms of the Animals Protection Act were issued.

A follow-up in the form of an outreach project will be conducted in the area.

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success - Henry Ford.

 

CANADIAN SEAL SLAUGHTER

Each one of us can help stop the slaughter of baby seals in Canada by boycotting Canadian fish produce. Canadian fishermen take part in the slaughter during their off-season. The pressure on Canadian fish produce due to the international boycott is now reported to be "meaningful" according to the Humane Society International with whom we remain in contact. If you feel as strongly as we do, please be a discerning consumer by checking on or requesting to know the source of fish products. If they are from Canada, make your consumer power known by not purchasing. The lesson will be learned that cruelty does not pay.

 

ADVISORY NOTE
We have been advised of comments in the RCS Lifestyle magazine relating to pets and the eating of fish for which www.spca.org.za is quoted as the source. This web site does not exist. The comments did not originate from ourselves. We have contacted the company asking for this to be made known to their readers. We advised that our channels of communication are always open and we are willing to assist with articles on animal care.

Until next time

With best regards

Chris Kuch