Midrand SPCA’s tireless efforts during the festive season
Midrand SPCA remained steadfast in their mission to combat animal cruelty and rescue those in distress, even over the festive season.

While many enjoyed the festive season, the dedicated Midrand SPCA team worked tirelessly to combat animal cruelty and rescue animals in distress.
The first rescue occurred on December 18, when a concerned resident spotted a chameleon attempting to cross the busy Olifantsfontein Road. Recognising the danger the creature faced, the resident promptly picked it up and took it home, contacting the SPCA emergency line to report the situation.
Read more: Midrand SPCA envisions a cruelty-free environment for all animals in 2025

However, this initial rescue was just the beginning. On Christmas Day, despite the holiday festivities, Inspector Theo Mokgatle responded to multiple emergency calls, racing against time, and traffic, to reach animals that were in critical need of assistance.
“Some of these critical cases included an injured bird and a feral cat suffering from several necrotic wounds,” explained Pam Pretorius, the general manager of the SPCA.
Also read: Midrand SPCA rescues puppy from side of the road
She further noted that later that same evening, Mokgatle attended to an unfortunate dog that had been struck by a vehicle, as well as another dog that had been poisoned, highlighting the relentless nature of their work during this time.
Days later, another rescue mission was undertaken by Inspector Jerry Seemise and animal health technician Arnold Maake. They received a report about a dog that had been seen struggling to navigate a drain pipe. Upon arriving at the scene and assessing the situation, they quickly realised that it would be impossible for them to enter the pipe to rescue the trapped dog.

“After carefully evaluating the circumstances, they decided it was best to leave Maake at the exit point to monitor the situation while Seemise drove back to the SPCA to retrieve a specialised dog trap,” Pretorius explained.
Once he returned, they set up the trap and baited it with some delicious food that the starving pup simply could not resist. After a short wait, the dog was safely caught in the trap and brought back to the SPCA for further care and rehabilitation, ensuring it would receive the help it desperately needed.
In another instance, the team responded to a call from a resident in Waterfall City who reported hearing the distressing cries of a cat coming from nearby bushes. Accompanied by Waterfall City Fidelity Security, Mokgatle met with the resident, who guided them to the location from which the cries were emanating. Thanks to their quick response and effective teamwork, they were able to rescue the frightened cat, bringing it to safety.
Additionally, there was a significant rescue of a stallion horse in Glenferness, demonstrating the SPCA’s commitment to helping a wide range of animals in need.

Each of these rescues not only highlights the dedication of the SPCA inspectors but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by animals in distress, particularly during times when many are preoccupied with their own celebrations.
Residents can contact the Midrand SPCA on 011 265 9935.
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