Saving one animal at a time is all in a day’s work for SPCA inspector, Sabelo Ngcobo

Animal cruelty investigations, monthly check-ups and occasional animal wrangling are all in a day’s work for SPCA inspector, Sabelo Ngcobo.

Ngcobo has been the North Coast inspector for the Durban & Coast SPCA since 2018 and continues to play a vital role in preventing animal cruelty locally.

Originally from the South Coast, Ngcobo wanted to be a farmer, earning a diploma in agricultural management from Cedara College of Agriculture.

It was while working on a farm that he saw a new career path laid out in front of him after witnessing animal cruelty first hand.

“There was a lot of cruelty on the farm and I knew that I could not just let it go. I called in an anonymous complaint and changed careers, beginning a job at the SPCA on the South Coast in 2015,” he said.

With a big farming population in the area, Ngcobo’s main role was to do spot checks on the farms and farmers.

When he took over the role as North Coast inspector however, his role changed to include more domestic animals.

“I do regular check-ups on any establishment that keeps animals which include pet shops, petting zoos and farms. I also follow up on any animal cruelty tip-offs that get called in.”

The Courier rode along for a few of his animal cruelty follow-ups in Glen Hills near KwaDukuza to see how the process works.

Ngcobo does site visits, establishing the conditions for the animals, before he decides on the best way forward.

Unless the case is drastic and immediate action has to be taken, he will issue a warning, giving the owner a few days to sort out the problem.

On the second visit, if nothing has changed then Ngcobo is empowered by the Lower Tugela district to seize the animal and seek legal action through the relevant authorities.

“The penalty for animal cruelty can be up to 3 years imprisonment or a R60 000 fine. We also always seek an order that makes it illegal for these people to ever own an animal again.”

Prosecution is not always possible and there are always animals that are going to slip under the radar, but Ngcobo takes comfort in knowing that he is making an impact.

“I have always loved animals and it makes coming to work much easier knowing that I can make a difference in these animal’s lives.”

Ngcobo still sees a future in farming for himself, but it would have to be as the farm owner so that he could control the processes.

For now, you are likely to see him driving across the North Coast, trying his best to rescue abused and mistreated animals.

To report animal cruelty, you can phone 031 579 6500 during office hours, or 083 212 6103 if it is an emergency.

You can also email control@spcadbn.org.za.