Meet SPCA’s ‘angels’ who are on a crusade to combat animal cruelty
The community is asked to assist with the collection of strays.
The Lower South Coat SPCA has a new record with 56 animals being adopted in January.
Trainee inspectors, Werner Taljaard and Jacob Mduna are now joined by newbie field officers, Darion Langenhoven and Harold Krause – which makes for a dynamic team.
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What is an inspector? They are men and women in the SPCA inspectorate who are on the frontline in the fight against animal cruelty.
Every day they face challenging, intimidating and often threatening situations where animals are at risk. Each of them is skilled and trained to rescue animals in distress, issue warnings, seize animals kept in appalling conditions and instigate legal action against abusive and neglectful owners.
Mr Krause says being an inspector is not a job but a calling, as he loves working with animals and is passionate about his job.
The team is currently investigating some 40 cases of animal cruelty, with five pending prosecutions for January.
Mr Tajaard said that their main focus is on the prevention of cruelty to animals.
“We ask the community to please assist us with the collection of strays. If we spend hours each day collecting dogs we will have less time to investigate animal cruelty cases,” he said.
Carla Steenkamp, the vice-chairman of the LSC SPCA committee, said she is proud of its inspectorate team, and that sometimes they face the most horrific cases of animal cruelty, but still smile, and have pure dedication.
“We had a lot of cruelty cases this month. The public need to realise that these inspectors are the angels saving our animals, often working under tough conditions,” she said.
Stacey Beck, the supervisor of the LSC SPCA, said the community does not always realise this, but their inspectors are out on the road dealing with an almost constant stream of emergencies, investigations and inspections.
“The SPCA cares for with all animals, not just domestic pets.”
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She explained that for instance, last week when everyone was tired and finishing work for the day, the SPCA inspectors were rushing off to a traditional slaughter, where they had to supervise and enforce that the animal was humanely killed, according to the law.
“It may be an upsetting topic for some, but it is a lawful act that we cannot prevent. At least the SPCA can ensure the animal does not suffer cruelty.”
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