NSPCA NEWSLETTER

E-NEWSLETTER
13 OCTOBER 2009

FARM ANIMAL UNIT
Protecting sheep and other livestock is an important issue. Our concerns include how predators are deterred and so it is heartening to see some of the Karoo farmers taking the humane alternatives in protecting their sheep, goats and even larger farm animals. This is by placing Anatolian sheepdogs amongst their herds and the results are very positive.
There are still pitfalls and being realistic, we appreciate that there are never easy answers but this method is proving to be part of the solution. Some of the farms in question are 2000 - 3000 hectares and each dog 'patrols' about 200-300 acres. The dogs are provided with food, water and kennels. These dogs are not "humanised" but are sufficiently socialised so that should they need veterinary care or primary health care it is not an issue.
One visual shows an Anatolian sheepdog with sheep and the other visual is what can and does happen when humane methods are not sought and used: - a sickening scene of dead jackal strung up along perimeter fencing as a deterrent to other jackal.

FIRST FRUITS FESTIVAL
This issue has been attracting a great deal of media attention. May we please refer readers to www.nspca.co.za where an updated document has been placed which outlines the N SPCA's position and lists our actions to date. The matter is ongoing. We have requested a meeting with President Zuma and follow up on our communications with him weekly.

WILDLIFE UNIT
The selling of live animals via the print media and the keeping of wild animals as pets raises many welfare concerns. When these issues come to the attention of the N SPCA, Nature Conservation offices are contacted to alert them to the possible illegal trade in these animals. The most recent case was that of a lion caught on a farm in Gauteng and advertised for sale for R15000. Gauteng Nature Conservation is investigating the matter. Through this interfacing with Nature Conservation the Wildlife Unit is able to assist wildlife in situations which fall outside of our jurisdiction.

RESCUE KITTEN UPDATE
You may recall that on 30 April, a schoolboy from Germiston walked to the N SPCA with a kitten he had found on the school field. An appeal through our newsletter led to one reader donating a bicycle for the kind youngster who walked to school daily after his own bicycle was stolen.
We thought you'd like to see Panienka (it means "Little Miss") now. She is six months old, fully vaccinated, spayed and well - we just love happy endings!

DIWALIA statement has been issued to the media on Diwali which states: - "The National Council of SPCAs (N SPCA) recognises and respects the cultural and religious practices - not limited to Hindus - which involve the use of light and we note the protection of them in terms of Act 108 of 1996: - namely the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Nevertheless, Constitutional rights in this regard must be considered in the context that they are permissible only if the rights of others are not compromised and no laws are broken.
Diwali is the festival of light. Big bangs have no part in Diwali because they were not part of the tradition."
A copy of the full statement can be found under MEDIA RELEASES on www.nspca.co.za . It may be copied, forwarded and circulated provided the source is accredited as being the N SPCA.
Until next time
With kind regards Chris Kuch