Latest news with #AnimalProtectionAct
The South African
4 days ago
- General
- The South African
Bobby gets adopted - SPCA concerned over online animal cruelty
The SPCA has shared another heartwarming update about Bobby, who went from starving and neglected to now being adopted into a happy home. The female dog made headlines after she appeared emaciated and in poor health in a video posted by a social media influencer. Her owners, as well as the content creator, are facing charges of animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act. On the X platform, news was shared that Bobby had found her forever home after being adopted. Bobby was placed for adoption last month at an SPCA branch in Boksburg. In images posted on social media, she now appears happy and healthy. From being severely malnourished and living outside in the cold, Bobby now has a garden to play in and a warm bed to sleep on. 'She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived! Forced to eat plastic to survive, Bobby was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas', the SPCA shared after rescuing her from her neglectful owners. Meanwhile, the SPCA has noted with concern many more alarming videos of social media influencers featuring starved and abused dogs in their posts. The SPCA shared in a post, 'Online animal cruelty is rising, and you can help stop it. Every report matters. Every voice counts.' The animal activists shared practical advice on how to help protect animals online. It included: Don't engage – commenting or sharing spreads the content further. Report it to the platform using in-app tools. Alert SMACC – search 'SMACC Report It Hub' to submit cruelty found online. If filmed in South Africa, contact the SPCA via DM or email: nspca@ You can also report cruelty on their website by clicking on the 'Report Cruelty' button. Send evidence – links, screenshots, usernames. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NSPCA (@ Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Swine fever scare triggers culling of pigs in Bredasdorp
Hundreds of pigs are being culled in the Agulhas region to stop the spread of 'probable' deadly African Swine Fever. A suspected outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Cape Agulhas Municipality has triggered a pig euthanasia operation, raising urgent questions about animal welfare and disease control in the region. The incident involves up to 800 free-ranging pigs that were confined – apparently without adequate food or water – before the disease emerged. This is a breaking story. Why so many pigs could be free-ranging and where they were living will be the focus of further investigation. The situation first came to attention after a public alert posted by the Cape Agulhas Municipality on 2 August 2025, which referred to a 'probable outbreak of African Swine Fever' among free-ranging pigs in Bredasdorp. According to the alert, the municipality had earlier captured and enclosed between 1,000 and 1,500 pigs, with the stated aim of controlling the growing free-ranging population. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) reports that it was informed on 31 July by the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) Bredasdorp of suspected ASF at the facility. On 1 August, an inspection was conducted by the AACL and a state veterinarian from Swellendam, who found around 30 dead pigs showing symptoms consistent with ASF. Samples were taken for PCR testing, but due to a national backlog, results have not yet been expedited. 'Warning letters' According to Jacques Peacock of the NSPCA, the local municipality was given three warning letters on possible contraventions of the Animal Protection Act as well as the need for urgent quarantine and safe carcass disposal protocols, but by 5 August, no formal response had been received. A second site visit by AACL on 3 August found more than 30 additional mortalities and led to the humane euthanasia of eight pigs due to the severity of their condition. The NSPCA then escalated the matter to the South African Pork Producers Organisation and the Western Cape Veterinary Services on 4 August, calling for urgent assistance. As of 5 August, a veterinary assessment is under way and an on-site assessment is being conducted. Based on the findings, further action will be taken in the interests of animal welfare and disease containment. The Western Cape's chairperson of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Noko Masipa, has been tracking the issue and says the pigs were likely to have been from what he termed 'backyard township farming'. He said while he understood the need for people to undertake this for economic reasons, it was beyond the control of any safety measures and therefore a health problem. In a written reply to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism on the challenges facing informal pig farming, the provincial agriculture department confirmed that it had signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the South African Pork Producers Organisation to establish a coordinated approach to supporting smallholder pig farmers. 'It is hoped that the agreement will contribute meaningfully to improving biosecurity and curbing the spread of animal diseases within the sector,' said Masipa. Understanding ASF ASF is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild swine such as warthogs and bush pigs. The virus causes internal bleeding, fever and rapid death in infected animals. There is no vaccine or treatment. Although ASF does not infect humans, it can have catastrophic effects on pig populations and agriculture. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ASF has a mortality rate approaching 100%, and once detected in a region, culling is often the only containment strategy. ASF is classified as a notifiable disease in South Africa. While it has historically been endemic in the northern regions of the country – where warthogs and Ornithodoros ticks act as reservoirs – its geographical reach is expanding. The Western Cape has experienced previous outbreaks, including in 2021 and 2024. Risks of mishandling The mass confinement of wild or free-ranging pigs is unusual in South African municipal practice and may have inadvertently created the conditions for disease spread. Veterinary epidemiology experts warn that stress, overcrowding and lack of nutrition severely compromise immune responses in pigs, making outbreaks more likely and more deadly. Confining such a large number of unvaccinated free-ranging animals – especially without veterinary supervision – may have accelerated viral transmission. ASF can be transmitted by direct contact, through contaminated feed or by exposure to infected carcasses. It is unclear whether adequate food and shelter were supplied and biosecurity protocols were followed during the initial capture or subsequent holding of the pigs by the Cape Agulhas Municipality. No official veterinary risk assessment or environmental impact study has been made public. Broader implications The economic implications of an uncontrolled ASF outbreak are significant. South Africa's pork industry, though smaller than poultry or beef, contributes significantly to the economy and food security. ASF outbreaks can result in trade restrictions, movement bans and the collapse of small-scale farming enterprises. During China's ASF epidemic in 2018-2019, more than 200 million pigs were culled, leading to global pork shortages. South Africa has thus far avoided similar devastation, but the growing frequency of ASF outbreaks outside traditional containment zones is cause for concern. Welfare and accountability The handling of this crisis has drawn condemnation from animal welfare organisations, who argue that poor planning, lack of consultation and negligent oversight contributed to the suffering and deaths of hundreds of pigs. South Africa's Animal Protection Act places a legal obligation on those in charge of animals to provide food, water, shelter, and to prevent unnecessary suffering. Although the NSPCA has issued three warnings, it has not yet indicated whether it will pursue legal action against the Cape Agulhas Municipality, but has noted in statements that the conditions at the facility may constitute violations of this Act. As of this writing, PCR test results from the Swellendam State Vet have not yet been released. If ASF is confirmed, the site will probably be placed under stricter quarantine, with expanded carcass disposal efforts and biosecurity measures. Animal protection groups are calling for: A full public report from the Cape Agulhas Municipality detailing the rationale for the mass pig confinement; Clear timelines of actions taken and by whom; Release of veterinary assessments; and Review of provincial and municipal disease response frameworks. DM
The South African
4 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
NPA won't prosecute Malema over 'cruel' cattle slaughter video
The SPCA has strongly condemned a decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) not to take action against Julius Malema over a disturbing video of him slaughtering a cow with a blunt knife. In 2023, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) courted controversy at the party's ceremonial slaughter event. The incident occurred days before the EFF's 10th birthday celebrations at the FNB Stadium. This week, the NPA confirmed that it would not be prosecuting Julius Malema over a viral video of him slaughtering a cow with a small knife that failed to kill the animal quickly. According to the authority, the NPA stated that 'the prosecution will not be in a position to adduce sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt' that the video contravened the Animal Protection Act. It also cited the 'authenticity' of the video footage as a concern. In July 2023, Julius Malema participated in the EFF's ceremonial slaughter event, which took place in Magaliesberg. In a disturbing clip that went viral, Malema attempted to slaughter the cow but struggled at length after using a somewhat blunt knife that caused the animal deep distress. Malema stuck the small knife into the cow's poll [area between the head and ears], stabbing it and twisting the knife in it several times. The video evoked a strong reaction from the public, who called on the NSPCA to intervene. At the time, animal activists objected that the animal had not been afforded a quick and humane death. A few months after the video was made public, the SPCA formally charged Julius Malema with animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act. The organisation believes the politician inflicted 'unimaginable suffering, pain and distress' on the animal. It aided the investigation by providing video evidence, affidavits, and even a key eyewitness who captured further footage at the scene. A video of Malema slaughtering a cow went viral in 2023. He was later charged with animal cruelty. Image via EFF Reacting to the NPA's decision, it said in a statement: 'While we acknowledge and respect the independence of the prosecutorial process, we are deeply disheartened by this outcome. We believed the available evidence merited judicial consideration. This decision will no doubt be dismaying to many South Africans who care deeply about the humane treatment of animals. 'This matter also underscores a broader issue: the continued struggle for animals to achieve visibility and protection within the justice system. 'The law must be applied consistently'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Star
South Korean restaurant owner puts pet dog inside fridge to prevent animal from overheating
South Korean animal rights groups are taking a more reserved approach toward the case after the dog's health conditions were revealed. - Screengrab from Animal Rights Group Care/Facebook via ST/ANN SEOUL: A photo of a small dog inside a fridge at a South Korean restaurant sparked disputes over possible animal abuse. The owner of the dog, however, claimed on July 31 that the measure was taken to prevent the extreme heat from exacerbating the animal's heart issues. The Busan Jungbu Police Station received a report of potential animal abuse at around 8.10pm on July 29, saying a dog was being kept inside a glass door refrigerator at a local pizza restaurant. The police checked the site and said the temperature inside the fridge was 'not very low', and are investigating the case to see if the dog's owner had violated the Animal Protection Act. The dog's owner, a restaurant owner in her 60s, told local media outlets that she put the 11-year-old Maltese named Cookie inside the fridge to prevent her from overheating. She said Cookie has recently been treated for acute heart issues, and the vet had told her that extreme heat could be fatal to Cookie. 'The air conditioner at the restaurant broke down, so I put a cushion inside the refrigerator and had her (Cookie) sit on it for short periods of time,' the owner said. She said the dog was like her daughter, and apologised for putting the dog inside a fridge that also contains sauces for customers. Small dogs like the Maltese do tend to overheat due to their long, white hair, which traps heat easily and prevents it from dissipating effectively through perspiration. An excessively high body temperature could lead to heart strokes and other life-threatening medical conditions. Animal rights groups are taking a more reserved approach toward the case after Cookie's conditions have been revealed. 'As of now, (the owner's) explanation suggests that she had no intention of abusing the dog, although she would need to be careful about keeping her pet inside a refrigerator,' Sim In-seop, the head of the local animal rights group Live in Freedom and Equality, was quoted as saying. Experts suggest cooling pads for dogs more susceptible to heat, rather than keeping them inside a refrigerator. - The Korea Herald/ANN
Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Straits Times
South Korean restaurant owner puts pet dog inside fridge to prevent animal from overheating
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox South Korean animal rights groups are taking a more reserved approach toward the case after the dog's health conditions were revealed. A photo of a small dog inside a fridge at a South Korean restaurant sparked disputes over possible animal abuse. The owner of the dog, however, claimed on July 31 that the measure was taken to prevent the extreme heat from exacerbating the animal's heart issues. The Busan Jungbu Police Station received a report of potential animal abuse at around 8.10pm on July 29 , saying a dog was being kept inside a glass door refrigerator at a local pizza restaurant. The police checked the site and said the temperature inside the fridge was 'not very low', and are investigating the case to see if the dog's owner had violated the Animal Protection Act. The dog's owner, a restaurant owner in her 60s, told local media outlets that she put the 11-year-old Maltese named Cookie inside the fridge to prevent her from overheating. She said Cookie has recently been treated for acute heart issues, and the vet had told her that extreme heat could be fatal to Cookie. 'The air conditioner at the restaurant broke down, so I put a cushion inside the refrigerator and had her (Cookie) sit on it for short periods of time,' the owner said. She said the dog was like her daughter, and apologised for putting the dog inside a fridge that also contains sauces for customers. Small dogs like the Maltese do tend to overheat due to their long, white hair, which traps heat easily and prevents it from dissipating effectively through perspiration. An excessively high body temperature could lead to heart strokes and other life-threatening medical conditions. Animal rights groups are taking a more reserved approach toward the case after Cookie's conditions have been revealed. 'As of now, (the owner's) explanation suggests that she had no intention of abusing the dog, although she would need to be careful about keeping her pet inside a refrigerator,' Mr Sim In-seop, the head of the local animal rights group Live in Freedom and Equality, was quoted as saying. Experts suggest cooling pads for dogs more susceptible to heat, rather than keeping them inside a refrigerator. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
