Despite huge strides forward since the 1800s in the sensitisation of people to the fact that animals are sentient beings who share our capacity for emotions like love, pleasure and pain – the sad reality is that many seemingly ordinary people still commit acts of cruelty and appear to think little of it.

Whilst some cases – such as the dog with severe mange pictured above – are the result of ignorance or lack of resources, our files bulge with cases of callous disregard for the suffering of animals:

Individuals who still think drowning is an acceptable way to euthanise unwanted kittens; unwanted dogs thrown out of cars as they speed along the freeway; a feral kitten stoned to death; another cat thrown onto a fire; monkeys shot at or left to die a lingering death in snares; dogs with broken legs left to heal as best they can, with no veterinary treatment; dogs kept on a short length of chain without access to fresh water or shelter ... the list goes on and on.

Our Inspectors enforce the Animals Protection Act (APA) no. 71 of 1962. This legislation empowers our Inspectors to instigate legal action against abusive and neglectful owners. If found guilty, the perpetrator could face up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of R60 000.

You are our 'eyes and ears'
Although our inspectors do carry out spot checks, they rely on tip offs from the general public. If you know of any animals that is being neglected or treated badly, please contact us on tel. 031 579 6500 or on our emergency after hours number, 083 212 6103. Don't stand by while an innocent animal suffers. They can't speak for themselves - they need caring, compassionate people to speak for them.

You don't have to give your name when you report cruelty, if you are worried about adverse repercussions from your neighbours or community.

Read more about the work of our SPCA inspectors.