The Durban and Coast SPCA has urged social media ‘watchdogs’ to report cases of animal cruelty to them before taking to social media platforms.

This after several stories of animal cruelty have gone viral.

“The problem for our SPCA is that these stories that go viral are posted by other animal welfare organisations, or members of the public, and we are only made aware of them after the fact, often finding out about them from Facebook just as the public does.”

“Our chances of successfully prosecuting perpetrators of cruelty are often severely compromised when the SPCA is not timeously involved in order to enforce the Animals Protection Act (APA),” said marketing manager for the Durban & Coast SPCA, Tanya Fleishcher.

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Fleischer said there is a process involved in opening dockets in cruelty cases, with sufficient evidence and witness statements. 

“It is important that the appropriate action be taken. That is, education of owners, issuing of warnings or lawful seizure and ending of suffering. It is not as simple as the public thinks it is. An animal cannot be seized without following proper procedure. We understand that this causes a lot of frustration for the public, but we have to follow the law to the letter,” she said.

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“We ask that the public report cases of cruelty to our SPCA, and should any other rescue organisations be involved and wish for the SPCA to open a case against the owners, they should involve us from the outset. We appeal to these organisations to assist us in this way so that we can fulfil our role effectively,” added Fleischer.

An animal cruelty offender could face up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of R60 000 if convicted.

To report cruelty, call the SPCA on 031 579 6500.

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