Beware of SPCA imposters
The National Council of SPCAs has issued an urgent warning to members of the public to beware of imposters -- any individual untruthfully claiming to be from, representing or employed by an SPCA.
According to NSPCA spokesperson Christine Kuch, genuine employees will wear the official uniform when on duty, with registered insignia, will be in possession of formal identification and will not be afraid of anyone verifying that they are who they claim to be.
Inspectors will carry magisterial authorisation for that area.
“Above all, please do not hand over animals to anyone claiming to be from the SPCA without checking first,” said Kuch.
“Some time ago, there was a confirmed report of an individual collecting unwanted animals in a white van.
“People assumed this was the SPCA, as the term is often used loosely to refer to welfare organisations, but this was not the case.”
When animals are involved, the matter becomes extremely serious and the public is urged to be extremely vigilant.
Impersonation is a serious offence and measures have been put in place to trace and apprehend the individual/s doing so.
The society has appealed to everyone to be alert.
“Even if an individual gives a telephone number to ring, ensure it is the actual number of an SPCA,” said Kuch.
“We urge everyone to have the number of their local SPCA on their cellphone, so this ought to be straight forward.
Reports of suspicious behaviour of this kind can be reported to 011 9073590 during office hours, faxed to 011 907 4013 or emailed to pr@nspca.co.za
“The NSPCA is sure that caring and compassionate people join us in condemning this despicable behaviour and we ask them to be co-operative with genuine SPCA personnel,” added Kuch.
“The kind support of the public is noted with appreciation.”
