Tips to report animal abuse and neglect
People are urged to report any ill-treatment of animals to their nearest SPCA.
The SPCA Tshwane recently had to attend to a cow that had fallen into a pit toilet in Honey View, Hammanskraal.
Unfortunately, the cow had sustained serious injuries such as broken hips and could not be saved.
The incident had been reported to the SPCA by a local resident.
“The public is our eyes,” said SPCA inspector Andrew Kekana.
“By reporting cases such as these to the SPCA Tshwane, you will contribute in protecting pets and other animals in your communities.”
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“Be advised that the information you provide will always be handled with strict confidentiality, may it be animal cruelty related or not.”
SPCA Tshwane spokesperson Elsa Daniels urged the public to help in any way possible.
“To prevent cruelty to animals, you can assist the SPCA by sterilising your pets, vaccinating them, and not chaining them up,” she said.
By sterilising your pets, it will reduce spraying, prevent unwanted litters, infection of the uterus and reduce the chance of certain cancers, sexually transmitted diseases and aggression as well as wandering.
“Unwanted litters lead owners to dumb the kittens or puppies in the bushes or bins, which causes unnecessary suffering to the animals. Also, owners that do afford to raise the litters will either sell or give away the kittens and puppies. This increases the probability of animal cruelty as they regularly end up in the wrong hands.”
Daniels explained the importance of vaccinations.
“All animals should be vaccinated, as it protects humans from zoonosis (diseases transmitted from animals to humans) like rabies. Vaccinations will also protect your dogs and cats against contagious diseases such as Parvo and Distemper. This precaution will also prevent the spread of diseases to other animals.”
According to the SPCA, when it comes to animal abuse and neglect, people, especially in rural areas, tend to chain their dogs to poles.
“Don’t chain your animals, as dogs that are chained develop abnormal behaviour due to lack of stimulation and frustration. Chaining your dog will result in temperamental and aggressive behaviour,” she says.
By chaining your dog, you are preventing it from functioning normally and also from developing, mentally or physically.
Dogs that are chained up have no opportunity to hide from immediate danger and harsh weather conditions.
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“This is why we emphasize, when and if people want dogs, to please ensure their property is fenced and that adequate shelter is provided,” Daniels concludes.
If you would like to report any suspicious circumstances involving animals in Pretoria, do not hesitate to contact your nearest SPCA Tshwane branch.
Waltloo Branch
Tel 012-803-5219
Emergency telephone number
(After hours)
083-453-3863
General enquiries: admin@spcapta.org.za
Centurion branch:
Tel: 012-664-5644
Emergency telephone number (after hours): 082-807-65671.
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