When Dr Clifford Bull is not treating animals at his veterinary clinic in Boksburg, he is assisting the Benoni SPCA with challenging animal-related cases.
These include complicated surgeries at discounted prices as well as darting animals that need to be relocated to a safe place at no cost.
The City Times met with Bull, who shared some insight on some of his highlighted moments with the Benoni SPCA, including darting a baboon in 2012, a leopard in 2019, and just recently the springbok that was found in Crystal Park.
“The Benoni SPCA has a core role to play in the community by helping all the animals and sometimes they need extra help. I am more than willing to help where I can,” he said.
Bull grew up visiting a farm owned by his father and naturally wanted to help the animals.
When his dream of being an equine surgeon did not go according to plan, he chose to go into veterinary science and for 14 years he has explored the variety of avenues offered in the field.
After graduating, he practised at a veterinary clinic, and then from 2015 to 2017 he focused on wildlife on a full-time basis.
He later decided to build the Craig View Veterinary Clinic that offers a variety of veterinary care.
He jokingly said a real doctor can treat more than just one species.
When asked what his most exciting case was, he said all cases are exciting, but if he had to choose, it would be the male leopard cub which he darted in an outside laundry room at a private home in Hazel Road, Benoni North, on July 22, 2019.
“This was interesting as the cub was not in its natural habitat and that story made international news.”
Advice for aspiring veterinarians
The most important advice he gives to learners looking into studying veterinary science is to ensure this field is your first and second option as it requires long working hours and a passion for animals.
He concluded with a quote by Marie Forleo: “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”
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