Latest news with #AnimalsProtectionAct71
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
SPCA investigating starving dog in influencer's viral video
The National SPCA are investigating an influencer's viral TikTok video, which featured a notably starving dog in it. However, the woman – Sasha Tshiamo – claims she is not responsible for the animal. On the X platform, a video of influencer Sasha Tshiamo quickly went viral. But the TikTok had nothing to do with the content creator's flair for fashion or curvy figure. Instead, an emaciated dog in the background of the clip had social media users up in arms. The animal's ribcage was clearly visible, and it appeared lethargic. Many South Africans called on animal rights activists like the SPCA to intervene. @Zakhele27520120: '@NSPCA_SA Please, that dog is suffering there, do something 💔' @Nicole_Barlow1: 'Please, do the humane thing and surrender the dog to the nearest @NSPCA_SA. This situation is truly appalling. The blatant cruelty is unimaginable…😡🤬🤬' Others added: @Bar1Koekemoer: 'Your dog is starving. You are a despicable human being.' @JLerubako40: 'It is said that how a person treats their domestic animals says a lot about what type of person they are. Speaking to The South African, the SPCA confirmed that they were investigating the incident and would inspect the property where the dog was seen. While the SPCA has promised a thorough investigation, the influence claimed that she was not responsible for the animal. Sasha Tshiamo shared on an Instagram Story, ' I don't know if I must laugh or cry, guys. That's not my dog.' Under her TikTok video, a follower appealed to her to feed the dog. She clapped back: 'It's not my responsibility.' The SPCA has repeatedly warned the public that animal abusers can be criminally charged under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The act – which was established to prevent the cruelty of animals – stipulates that those found guilty can face a fine or imprisonment. Offenders could also face a denial of ownership – preventing them from owning animals – as well as a criminal conviction. 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 Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Lion breeding industry remains 'unchanged' says NSPCA
According to the NSPCA, its inspectors continue to encounter widespread contraventions of the Animals Protection Act. The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has warned that little to no progress has been made in shutting down South Africa's captive lion breeding industry, despite a series of government commitments and legal recommendations. During a briefing to the portfolio committee on environment, forestry and fisheries on Tuesday, National Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter said that 'nothing has changed' — highlighting ongoing welfare violations and a continued lack of enforcement, despite a government-backed plan to phase out lion farming. Lack of action despite recommendations In 2020, a High-Level Panel (HLP) recommended a full audit of lion farms, a moratorium on breeding, and the elimination of lion bone stockpiles. These proposals were adopted in April 2024 through the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report. However, the NSPCA says none of these have been fully implemented. '[There has been] no full and extensive audit of the industry, no moratorium on breeding, and lion bone stockpiles still exist,' the presentation read. ALSO READ: Chicken farm funded by PIC fails to reverse court order against inhumane practices Disturbing welfare conditions persist According to the NSPCA, its inspectors continue to encounter widespread contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. These include lack of potable water, inadequate shelter, insufficient veterinary care, poor hygiene, and evidence of neglect. 'Any person who unnecessarily starves or under-feeds or denies water or food to any animal is in violation,' the NSPCA reminded parliament, citing section 2 (1)(c) of the Act. One example included lion cubs discarded in rubbish dumps, with undeclared carcasses and bones also recovered. 'How were the lions treated when alive, and how did they die?' the NSPCA asked. ALSO READ: Addo Park moves elephants to avoid culling While court rulings have affirmed the NSPCA's mandate—declaring animal welfare and conservation as 'intertwined values'—the organisation expressed frustration with ongoing delays. 'The justice process is too slow, and penalties remain insufficient,' the presentation said. In one recent case, a guilty party received a suspended 12-month sentence or a R4 000 fine. ALSO READ: Farmers 'on the edge' over crippling foot and mouth disease A call for meaningful collaboration The NSPCA has called on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to provide project-specific funding to allow for joint inspections and audits. 'The NSPCA is willing to work in Joint Operations with the DFFE and EMIs to effect coordinated inspections […] and the information sharing must be a two-way street for effective compliance' Wolhuter warned against replacing lions with other exotic species, such as tigers. 'South Africa cannot allow tigers to replace lions, as welfare still applies,' he stated. NOW READ: Rabies warning: Over 4 800 people bitten by animals in Limpopo every year
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Shocking to say the least
A message from the Management of the Vereeniging & Vanderbijlpark SPCA: This post is directed to the individual who phoned our office from an unknown number, refused to provide any identifying details, and proceeded to verbally abuse one of our staff members – a person simply trying to assist you. You claimed that the only thing our SPCA 'does well' is plead for donations on Facebook, and went further to say that we are 'useless' and only know how to kill innocent animals. These are deeply offensive and completely uninformed accusations, and we will not allow such harmful rhetoric to go unchallenged. Let's set the record straight: Not all SPCAs are the same. Comparing us to larger, urban SPCAs such as the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is unfair and misleading. Each SPCA operates independently, with different challenges, resources, and levels of community and municipal support. An SPCA is only as strong as the community and businesses that support it. In our area, we face additional hurdles due to: -Limited financial resources -A high number of rescue centres who often refer excess cases to us — cases we are legally mandated to take, without the luxury of turning animals away. -Non-responsive municipalities, which leave us burdened with duties outside our legal jurisdiction. Our mandate is governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993 and the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. We deal with cases of cruelty and neglect. We do not have legal jurisdiction over municipal bylaws such as stray, nuisance, or barking animals. These concerns should be reported to the local municipality or SAPS in serious cases. We do not have a veterinarian on staff. Like most smaller SPCAs, we are not funded to provide medical treatment. For deworming, sterilisation, vaccination or treatment, a private vet must be consulted. In true emergencies where no help is available and an animal is suffering, we can offer only humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering. The emotional toll of our work is immense. Our team witnesses heartbreaking cruelty and neglect regularly. To then endure verbal abuse from members of the public is utterly demoralising. This behaviour is not only unacceptable, it drives away passionate, hardworking people who are trying to make a difference. None of the staff at any SPCA wants to euthanise any animal. This heartbreaking burden is placed on our shoulders because of public irresponsibility – irresponsible breeding, failure to sterilise pets, and careless 'Free to good home' giveaways. While many are quick to blame breeders, the truth is that some households breed more animals than breeders, only to surrender them later because they can't afford their care. Yet somehow, there's always enough money for alcohol and cigarettes. Let that sink in. Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right. A responsible pet owner: -Researches their pet's needs and lifespan -Budgets for grooming, sterilisation, vaccinations, and vet visits -Understands the long-term commitment that comes with any animal Stop shifting the blame. The problem doesn't start with the SPCA it starts with irresponsible pet ownership At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
15-05-2025
- IOL News
Court bans pensioner from owning animals
Jack, a black crossbreed who had known nothing but suffering. He had lived his life on a chain, tethered to misery at a Grassy Park Home. Since his rescue, he was renamed Frankie. A MAN who subjected his dog to prolonged cruelty has been banned for life from owning an animal in an outcome that animal welfare organisations believe will echo far beyond the courtroom walls. Richard Edward Leo, a 76-year-old pensioner had pleaded guilty to all charges against him under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 in April. In delivering its sentence, the Wynberg Magistrate's Court handed him a lifetime ban on owning animals, an R8 000 fine or 8 months in prison (partially suspended), and a R5,000 reimbursement to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for the dog's care. The court also ordered the immediate forfeiture of any other animals in his care.
The South African
14-05-2025
- The South African
SPCA: Animal abuser banned from owning pets for LIFE
In Courtroom 3 at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court, justice finally caught up with a man who subjected a dog to prolonged cruelty. But while the gavel fell and the sentence was passed, the story of Jack – the dog at the centre of this landmark case – is far from over. Jack, a black crossbreed who had know nothing but suffering, had lived his life on a chain, tethered to misery at a Grassy Park Home. On 16 September 2024, inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA intervened rescuing Jack who was underweight, anaemic, infested with parasites, secured by a chain that was so tight, it created a septic and festering wound that encircled his neck. In late April 2025, his abuser, Richard Edward Leo, a 76-year-old pensioner, stood before the court and pleaded guilty to all charges laid against him under Sections 2(1)(b), (c), and (e) of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Not only was the crime acknowledged, but so too was its cost. In a judgement that will echo far beyond the courtroom walls, the sentence included: A lifetime ban on owning animals A fine of R8 000 or 8 months in prison (partially suspended) A R5 000 reimbursement to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for Jack's care And the immediate forfeiture of any other animals in his custody It was a strong legal outcome and it matters, because Jack matters. The court made that clear. After his rescue and months of care at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Jack was adopted and renamed Frankie – a new start with a new name that suits him perfectly. Sadly, despite his adopter's best intentions, the placement didn't work out. The trauma of years spent on a chain left its mark, and Frankie struggled to adapt to life with other dogs in the home. To make the transition back into care as easy as possible, Frankie was taken to the George SPCA, which is closer to his adopter's residence and part of our national SPCA network. He remains safe, well cared for, and hopeful. But what he needs now can't be found in a kennel. Frankie, as he is now known, is still looking for his 'forever home'. Image: SPCA website Frankie needs a third chance. He needs a home that understands that healing doesn't happen overnight. He'll do best as the only dog in a calm, loving environment, with someone who sees beyond his past and believes in his future. Justice has been served. Love is all that's left. If you could love Jack in spite of his scars, please contact the George SPCA directly. Email: branchg@ or call 044 878 1990. If you are in a position to donate to the SPCA in their ongoing fight for justice for abused animals, click HERE 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.
