Latest news with #AnimalsProtectionAct71of1962
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Horses killed in separate N2 crashes near George spark SPCA warning
The Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) has issued an urgent plea for action following two more incidents on the N2 near Pacaltsdorp, George, where two horses were struck and killed by vehicles within 24 hours. According to George Herald, the latest tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning when a truck hit a horse on the busy highway. Just one day earlier, another horse was killed in the same area in a separate collision, which also left the driver of an Isuzu bakkie seriously injured and hospitalised. 'These tragic incidents are not isolated,' says GRSPCA area manager Cheri Cooke. 'They are part of an ongoing and dangerous pattern involving free-roaming large animals in high-speed zones and residential areas across George. While our team continues to respond where possible, the SPCA is increasingly being left to deal with the aftermath.' Cooke stresses hat they operate as a welfare organisation under the limitations of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and do not have jurisdiction over municipal by-laws or road safety enforcement. 'We have formally reached out to the George Municipality's law enforcement, as well as Nkosi Batatu, [the] deputy director of municipal support and capacity-building in the Department of Local Government, to raise our concerns and appeal for urgent intervention,' she says. The continued presence of animals on the N2 and in residential areas has long been a serious concern. George Herald has reported on this issue multiple times, yet a co-ordinated, long-term response has yet to be found. 'This is a matter of public safety as much as it is one of animal welfare,' warns Cooke. 'It is only a matter of time before more lives are lost. We once again offer our full co-operation to all departments and agencies willing to engage in meaningful action.' Municipality confirms challenges The George Municipality reiterated that the challenge of free-roaming animals on public roads remains complex and ongoing. 'We are aware of the dangers posed by stray animals, particularly along the N2, and are actively working with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and community structures, to find sustainable solutions,' says Lee-anne Meiring, the acting director of community safety. Meiring confirms correspondence from the GRSPCA and says law enforcement and security manager Richard von Willigh will arrange a meeting with Sanral and provincial traffic to address the issue. She adds that several animals had been impounded in recent weeks and fines issued where owners could be identified. 'The local horse-riding club has also assisted in managing the situation but has alerted us to the horse camps being vandalised at night, which leads to animals escaping. 'We are working with all stakeholders to improve safety for both animals and road users, however, it is crucial that animal owners also take responsibility to prevent these incidents,' she says. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
eNCA
06-06-2025
- eNCA
NSPCA investigating viral video of emaciated dog
JOHANNESBURG - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has confirmed that it is investigating a viral video showing a woman dancing in front of a severely emaciated dog -- a clip that has sparked widespread outrage. The NSPCA told eNCA that its Special Projects Unit has launched a formal investigation and is working to verify key details. 'At this stage, we are confident that we've identified the individual and can now focus on the location of the animal,' the organisation said. The dog's condition has raised serious welfare concerns. 'As the video is very short, it is difficult to assess the animal's overall welfare, but there are concerns about, at least, the animal being emaciated,' the NSPCA said. — Random Pictures (@Random_Picx) June 3, 2025 If it finds sufficient evidence of contraventions under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, charges will be laid. 'Should there be evidence, beyond reasonable doubt, that contraventions… have been committed, charges will be laid,' the NSPCA confirmed. Because the video was originally shared by a third party, investigators have had to trace its source -- a task made more difficult by the nature of social media virality. 'Investigations of this nature are extremely challenging as we first need to determine the source (person) of the video, then their location and/or identity,' the NSPCA explained. It says it prioritises education in most cases, but will seek a warrant to remove an animal if it is clear that neglect is intentional or that an animal is suffering without intervention. 'When it is apparent that there was wilful neglect … or being aware that the animal is suffering and not taking any reasonable steps to remedy the situation, we may apply for a warrant to seize the animal,' the organisation stated. The NSPCA has urged South Africans to report suspected animal cruelty directly to authorities, rather than simply resharing disturbing content online. 'It is always difficult if people reshare content, because the virality often benefits the initial poster, instead of ensuring that the animal cruelty issue is addressed,' the organisation said. They also encouraged members of the public to act quickly when they see signs of abuse or neglect. 'We've always said that the public are our eyes and ears… We urge the public to report anything they suspect — rather safe than sorry.'
IOL News
03-06-2025
- IOL News
Lansdowne police arrest suspected serial cat killer in Ottery
An alleged cat killer has been arrested after a whistle-blower reported that the suspect is killing cats and put them in the municipal dust bin. An alleged cat killer has been arrested after a whistle-blower reported that the suspect is killing cats and put them in the municipal dust bin. Lansdowne police have arrested an accused serial cat killer in Ottery. A joint operation between SAPS and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA saw authorities nab the 29-year-old suspect inside his home in the informal settlement of Freedom Park in Ottery on Sunday. Authorities were told the man is responsible for the killing of five neighbourhood felines. The suspect is facing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday where the SPCA will be opposing bail. This comes after authorities received a tip-off alleging the suspect has killed more than five cats over the past few months in the area.
