LOCAL non-profit organisation, the Kloof and Highway SPCA, urges Highway residents to report all cases of animal cruelty during the festive season.
“Is reporting animal cruelty actually worth it? This is the question that we have been asked recently by members of the public. The answer is that it is always worth it,” said Lisa Mörck, the PR and outreach officer at the organisation.
“The inspectors are often accused of being incompetent when animals are not immediately confiscated.”
Within the parameters of the Animals Protection Act, no 71 of 1962, animals may be confiscated without a warrant obtained from a magistrate. No warrant is granted without sufficient proof that the owner has been given reasonable opportunity to rectify the situation.
“The sad reality is that we have a backlog of cruelty cases pending in court. These animals have been maimed, starved or beaten and display the physical evidence of having severely suffered at the hands of man.”
“SPCA inspectors do not rely on the police, but rather compile their own dockets. This is done with great care and attention to detail, and both photographic and video evidence are included in the dockets,” said Mörck.
Also included are statements from veterinarians with graphic images of the abused animals as well as affidavits from expert witnesses.
“We present this to the courts and then we wait. Some of our cases have been stagnant for three years, others have been declined due to minor technicalities. This is the reality that every staff member in the inspectorate department has to face. Behind the scenes is a fight for the animals that leave our staff emotionally scarred and often having to face the fact that even with all the evidence, the perpetrator may walk away free. We won’t give up the fight. Our sincere hope is that the public will continue reporting cruelty and animal welfare concerns to us so that we can continue to stand up for those who have no voice,” concluded Mörck.
