Bedfordview SPCA takes legal action over false cruelty claims

The Citizen

14-07-2025

Germiston Bedfordview SPCA pleads with the public to report cruelty directly to them and not through hearsay, WhatsApp forwarded messages, or online outrage.
'When reports pass through too many hands, facts get lost, emotions take over, and the animals, the ones we're all trying to protect, are the ones who lose,' said the branch's chairperson, Christine Kuch.
She added that animal cruelty is no place for rumours, rage, or reckless reposts.
According to Kuch, since the start of 2025, the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA has seen a troubling spike in third-party reports of alleged cruelty, often sent via WhatsApp, shared in community groups, or circulated by individuals with no direct knowledge of the situation.
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'These are not anonymous tips but sweeping accusations, often laced with insults and claims that the SPCA did nothing.
'While community vigilance is vital, the way to report cruelty matters.
'Complaints must be made directly to the SPCA via landline or email,' she explained.
Then, a case can be logged, assigned a reference number, and investigated properly.
Under the SPCA Act 169 of 1993, SPCAs are legally required to give feedback to the original complainant, and and are audited on their response to complaints within 24 hours, or immediately in the case of an emergency.
'We're seeing more and more cases where people claim they reported something, say we 'did nothing,' and then take to social media to name and shame us. But, when we check our records, there's no complaint, no call or no email. Nothing.'
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Kuch said they have seen a sharp increase this year, with individuals alleging prior inaction from the SPCA but offering no proof when asked for reference numbers, names of inspectors, or dates.
'When asked for the most basic verification, the conversation ends,' Christine added.'In one recent example, a WhatsApp message circulated between several parties, alleging neglect at a local property.
'The SPCA had no record of the complaint ever being submitted. When the SPCA team followed up as they always do, they found the animals were not in distress.
'Yet the complainant verbally abused a staff member and accused us of not doing what we're paid for,' said Kuch.
She added that increasingly, complaints are being channelled through so-called 'local rescuers' or concerned intermediaries who then share embellished or inaccurate claims online, shifting attention away from the facts and toward public outrage.
She said this often results in a flurry of pressure on the SPCA to defend its name, instead of focusing on the welfare of the animals involved.
'We do not doubt that many of these individuals care deeply. But, care must be paired with responsibility and respect.'
The way of raising matters is also a concern.
'It is not acceptable that SPCA staff, professionals committed to animal welfare, are subjected to shouting, threats, or public slander.
'This kind of conduct is not only disheartening, it's damaging. It undermines trust, pulls inspectors away from actual emergencies, and unfairly tarnishes the reputation of an organisation working tirelessly to protect animals.
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'More alarming are certain members of the public now demanding confidential information from active cruelty cases – including the contents of criminal dockets – and insist that the SPCA obtain warrants to enter properties, even though these individuals have never personally visited the locations in question.
'This behaviour is not only unlawful, but endangers inspectors, compromises investigations, and undermines justice.
'The SPCA is legally and ethically bound to protect the integrity of investigations and cannot release details or act on such demands simply because someone shouts loud enough online or over the phone.
'We want to be clear; we take cruelty complaints very seriously. But if you don't report it to us directly, our ability to assist in a timely and correct manner is impaired. And more importantly, we cannot help the animals,' stated Kuch.
The Germiston Bedfordview SPCA has now instructed attorneys to take formal steps against individuals who continue to spread false or defamatory claims.
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'To the many residents who report their concerns properly and respectfully, the SPCA offers sincere thanks.
'Your vigilance saves lives. Please continue to contact us directly, not through someone else, not via a neighbourhood group, but through the proper channels. If you see something, say something — to us, not the internet,' she said.
To report cruelty, contact the SPCA on 011 825 5033 or email to [email protected] or after-hours dial 081 399 1781.
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