Midrand SPCA calls for responsible pet ownership amid rising reports of cruelty
A part of the Midrand SPCA's vital work is educating people on the proper care of animals. Recently, there have been more reports of cruelty to animals, especially when it comes to dog fights, leading to more inspections and interventions by the SPCA.
The Midrand SPCA has raised concern following a noticeable rise in reports of animal cruelty and neglect across the area.
The core function of the Midrand SPCA is to protect and care for all sentient beings. Inspectors investigate reports of cruelty and neglect, but a significant part of the organisation’s work also focuses on education and proactive inspections to improve the lives of animals before situations escalate into serious cruelty cases. In February alone, Midrand SPCA inspectors physically handled 968 animals during proactive inspections and collected 127 unwanted animals, while travelling approximately 4 500km, responding to cases across the area.
Read more: SPCA warns residents after influx of cruelty reports
According to Pam Pretorius, Midrand SPCA general manager and qualified inspector, the society has seen a noticeable increase in cruelty and neglect reports. Whether this rise reflects more incidents or greater public awareness and reporting, it places increasing pressure on inspectors responding to cases across the community.
“It has now become a fashion for teenagers to fight pit bulls as a game they play. They do this to show each other who is stronger, and that is a criminal offence. Then, adult dog owners actually do more harm than the children. Firstly, chopping off the dog’s ears and tails to make them look vicious, and secondly, hitting their dogs, chaining them up, and putting them in cages. That is a criminal offence and a serious crime that I think people are not understanding.”
Another growing concern is the use of animals for protection. While many families keep dogs for security, some animals are deliberately encouraged to behave aggressively.
The SPCA has seen a rise in cases where animals bite other animals, injure people, or even turn on their owners, creating serious safety risks. Furthermore, having a pet should not be for the wrong reasons, because, once pets are made vicious, they eventually turn against their owners.
Also read: Midrand SPCA worker mauled in the line of duty
Inspectors often encounter situations where individuals, particularly younger members of the community, may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. In efforts to bring about change on the matter of animal cruelty and the public’s not understanding the consequences of their actions, the Midrand SPCA educates residents and pet owners about animal safety.
Long-standing volunteer, Brenda Lucas, said community involvement remains vital to the SPCA’s work, encouraging residents to support animal welfare by volunteering at SPCA markets or joining the management committee.
SPCA inspectors are empowered by the Animals Protection Act to investigate cruelty and take action where necessary. Residents who witness suspected animal cruelty or neglect are encouraged to report it to the Midrand SPCA by contacting 011 265 9935. All reports are treated confidentially, and the identity of the person reporting the matter will not be disclosed.
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