Latest news with #AnimalProtectionAct
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- The Citizen
Watch: Dog journeys from abuse to hope
A heart-wrenching story has become a tale of resilience and hope. Bobby, a two-year-old boerboel-cross, is recovering well at the Boksburg SPCA after traumatic neglect. Bobby recently made headlines after appearing in the background of a viral video featuring a social media influencer dancing while the visibly emaciated dog stood in shocking contrast. According to the NSPCA, Bobby had been forced to eat plastic to survive and was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike and infested with ticks and fleas. Thanks to the swift intervention of the NSPCA's Special Projects Unit, Bobby was rescued and given a second chance at life. 'She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived,' said the NSPCA in a statement after the rescue. The NSPCA said the influencer at the centre of the controversy sarcastically mocked the organisation after learning they sought her. Now, the woman faces charges under the Animal Protection Act while Bobby walks tall. A new life begins After initially being taken to the Nigel SPCA, Bobby was transferred to the Boksburg SPCA because they have an on-site veterinarian to oversee her rehabilitation. 'She has been with us for over eight weeks, being pampered and fed premium dog pellets with chicken and rice. She's gained weight, and her fur is shiny and healthy. The transformation is incredible,' said Vicky Finnemore, the Boksburg SPCA manager. Lovingly nicknamed 'Gucci' by the inspector who rescued her, Bobby was recently treated to a special grooming session at The Doggy Parlour in Boksburg. Her gentle, affectionate nature has made her a favourite among the SPCA team. Now, Bobby is ready to start a new chapter in a home filled with love, warmth and companionship. 'She needs a family that will give her everything she didn't have in the past. She's a gentle soul, loving, affectionate and incredibly loyal. If you're looking for a dog that will melt your heart, Bobby is your girl,' said Finnemore The Boksburg SPCA emphasises that it will be selective in homing Bobby to ensure her next chapter is the happy one she so deserves. What Facebook readers said on the Boksburg SPCA's Facebook page (Boksburg SPCA Charity Shop): Kim Turnbull: This is shocking. Thank you for helping. Megs Moberly Tweedie: Thank you for rescuing her. Ilana van Schalkwyk: I'm so sorry humans failed you, baby girl. God will bless you with the most incredible home, I just know it. Nikita de Sutter: I hope legal action will be taken against the owner! Kristin Newbry: Oh, my gosh. Also Read: Community support brings relief to Boksburg SPCA Also Read: Support the Boksburg SPCA's 75th anniversary dinner. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
SPCA inspector qualifies to boost animal welfare in Dundee
After six years without one, the Dundee SPCA finally has a qualified inspector—boosting animal care across the district. Mel van der Westhuizen joined the organisation in 2021 after relocating from Johannesburg. Describing herself as a 'lifelong animal lover', Mel quickly adapted to her demanding role, which spans Nquthu, Wasbank, and Dannhauser. She will receive her inspector certificate at the SPCA's AGM in August. 'It's a tough course,' she said. 'Besides having an instinct for animals, you must understand the Animal Protection Act.' Each day, Mel checks on the health and feeding of cats and dogs in the kennels. 'Adoption costs R1050 and includes sterilisation, vaccination, and microchipping. We also conduct home inspections to ensure a suitable environment.' She clarified the SPCA's role: 'Dealing with nuisance animals is the municipality's duty. We only keep strays for seven days before they're up for adoption, so contact us if your pet is missing.' Mel regularly deals with neglect cases—dogs on short chains, malnourishment, and poor shelter. 'My first step is always education—many simply don't know better. We sometimes donate longer chains and teach about vaccination and sterilisation.' But not all pet owners comply. 'If warnings are ignored, we use the legal route to remove the animal.' Hunting with dogs and snaring wildlife remains a serious issue. 'Recently, I rescued a dog caught in a snare near the Glencoe railway. It was in pain—snares are cruel. Keep dogs safely on your property.' Mel says abuse from the public is common. 'We're often shouted at, but we're here to help, not punish. I rely on my faith to stay strong.' SPCA inspectors will be present at Saturday's Dundee July to ensure all horses are in good condition. 'Again, education is key,' she added. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Dog found with feet cut off amid calls for harsher animal abuse punishments
Multiple reports of heinous crimes against animals send shockwaves across the country Multiple reports of severe acts of abuse towards dogs have surfaced in South Korea recently, fueling calls for harsher criminal punishment against such acts of cruelty. Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth, a local animal rights group, posted a video on its official YouTube page last week of a Jindo dog that was found with all four of its feet severed. The group said that it suspects the injury to be a deliberate act of animal abuse, as all four legs were severed at the same spot on the ankle. CARE has vowed to request a police investigation into the matter. The story comes just two weeks after three men in their 20s allegedly shot hundreds of BB gun pellets at four dogs that were tied up outside a restaurant, killing one dog and inflicting severe eye injuries on two others. It was later discovered that two of the attackers were active soldiers, and the three men had trespassed on the restaurant's property to attack the animals. The three claimed that they retaliated after being bitten by the dogs, but police were unable to find evidence of the dogs biting the men in surveillance footage. The dogs' owner said last week that the parents of the suspects came to their home to issue a threat for reporting the animal abuse case. Korea debates whether punishment for animal abuse is too lenient South Korea's Animal Protection Act bans killing or acts of cruelty against animals without justifiable causes, imposing a maximum punishment of three years in jail or a fine of up to 30 million won ($21,700). Though this was raised from two years imprisonment or a 20 million won fine in the past, some claim that many individuals accused of animal abuse escape with relatively lenient punishment. Of the 4,221 people investigated for animal cruelty from 2017 to 2022, only 122 (2.9 percent) were tried, and 19 received a jail term, according to a report compiled by Rep. Song Gi-heon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and released last year. Most cases were dropped or were subjected to summary orders. Even among those who were tried, more than half (56.9 percent) received a fine. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in February released a five-year animal welfare plan, which includes banning those convicted of animal abuse from raising animals for a designated period of time. The exact guidelines and criteria will be set in discussions with experts and law-related branches of the government, and set for implementation by 2027. Other plans include imposing higher fines on abandoning animals, up from the current 3 million won, and mandating that all animals be registered with the authorities. Last week, Rep. Park Jeong-ha of the main opposition People Power Party proposed a law revision that would impose stricter punishments on animal cruelty. This includes a prison term or up to a 10 million won fine for those abandoning animals. According to the lawmaker's office, a survey conducted on 5,000 Koreans by the Agriculture Ministry showed that 87.8 percent of respondents said there needs to be harsher punishment for animal abuse.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- IOL News
NSPCA takes action against Daybreak Farms over horrific mass animal welfare violations
NSPCA has laid criminal charges over 'million-bird massacre' at Daybreak Farms. Image: File The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms, following what it has called one of South Africa's worst recorded mass animal welfare disasters, with over a million chickens dead or dying under alleged inhumane and unlawful conditions. The NSPCA confirmed on Thursday it had filed a criminal docket with police, accusing the poultry producer's leadership of gross negligence, systemic mismanagement, and multiple violations of the Animal Protection Act. In a damning statement, the organisation said its inspectors uncovered 'overwhelming evidence' of a total collapse in animal care across multiple Daybreak facilities. Chickens were allegedly found starving, suffering from untreated injuries, and in some cases, resorting to cannibalism due to extreme overcrowding and prolonged neglect. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'The law compels us to value every single animal individually,' said Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, manager of the NSPCA's Farm Animal Protection Unit. 'To witness the suffering of one animal multiplied by a million is not just a disaster, it's a grave and morally reprehensible failure.' Site visits by the NSPCA were described as harrowing. Inspectors reported scenes of mass death, with birds dying slow, painful deaths, others lying with gaping wounds, and many unable to move. The organisation has described the situation as a 'massacre'. The criminal complaint follows a recent Gauteng High Court ruling that made final an urgent interim order against Daybreak Farms. The court found that the company's leadership had 'failed in their legal duty of care' and cited 'financial mismanagement of the available funds,' which endangered the lives of the animals in their possession. 'The urgency arose from Daybreak's failure to care for the chickens in their possession,' the ruling stated. The final court order compels Daybreak to stop all inhumane culling, provide adequate feed and veterinary care, halt new chick placements unless the NSPCA deems it safe, and grant full access to its facilities for compliance monitoring. The company was also ordered to pay the NSPCA's legal costs. However, efforts to enforce the court's directives have been complicated by a new development. On May 20, 2025, Daybreak voluntarily entered business rescue proceedings, a move the NSPCA fears could obstruct both enforcement and the recovery of more than R580,000 it spent on emergency operations. 'This is not only a legal and ethical failure, but also a financial one,' said the NSPCA. 'Despite a High Court ruling in our favour, our ability to recover costs has been compromised by Daybreak's sudden entry into business rescue.' In response, Daybreak Foods issued a media statement confirming the appointment of veteran restructuring specialist Tebogo Maoto as its Senior Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). Maoto, formally appointed on May 22, has been tasked with stabilising operations and developing a turnaround strategy. Daybreak's interim board chairperson, Dr Charlotte Nkuna, said: 'We welcome the appointment of the BRP as part of a collective effort, together with the Public Investment Corporation, to rescue the company and save approximately 2,800 jobs.' Under Section 133 of the Companies Act, Daybreak now benefits from a temporary legal moratorium that protects it from enforcement actions, while the BRP and board prepare a rescue plan addressing its financial crisis. The NSPCA, which depends on public donations and limited funding, is now appealing for urgent financial support to continue its monitoring and legal efforts. Operational costs continue to mount as inspectors remain on-site to oversee animal welfare and ensure compliance with the court's directives. 'We urgently appeal to the public, the private sector, and compassionate individuals to assist us in holding Daybreak accountable and in preventing further suffering,' the organisation said. Daybreak, once considered one of the country's leading poultry producers, has yet to respond publicly to the NSPCA's criminal allegations.
Korea Herald
20-06-2025
- Korea Herald
2 Marines,1 civilian accused of killing, injuring dogs with BB guns
Two active-duty Marines and one civilian in their 20s are under investigation for killing one dog and seriously injuring two others with BB guns. The Geoje Police Station said Wednesday that two active-duty soldiers and one civilian — all unnamed males in their 20s — fired hundreds of BB pellets at four dogs that were tied up in a restaurant yard in a small town in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on June 8. Of the four dogs, one died as a result of the attack, while two sustained serious injuries to their eyes and other parts of their bodies. Police booked the civilian without detention on charges of violation of the Animal Protection Act and trespassing. The two soldiers were transferred back to their units, and their cases were referred to the military. The Marine Corps said in a statement released Thursday that it plans to take 'strict measures' against the soldiers who allegedly committed the crime while they were on leave. They also expressed condolences to the owners of the dogs. The suspects told the police that the attack was 'unintentional' and that they fired the BB guns at the dogs after getting bitten by them. They were staying at a nearby accommodation at the time. But a police official who obtained surveillance camera footage of the scene said that the video 'only showed them trespassing on the restaurant's yard and shooting BB guns at the dogs that were tied up.' They were unable to find any evidence of the dogs biting them. In the surveillance footage that went viral online, the three men can be seen throwing rocks at the dogs, flashing lights, and rounding them up before firing BB guns toward them. According to local reports, the father of one of the suspects visited one of the owners later and said he would 'pay off' for his son's alleged crimes, while one of the soldiers' units called the owner to ask them not to make the case public. A group of some 3,600 Marine reservists released a statement on Wednesday calling for 'stern punishment' on the suspects, while highlighting the need for the military to punitively discharge them from the Marine Corps.
