This week, Midrand Reporter took a look into the life of Jerry Seemise (37), an animal welfare inspector at the Midrand SPCA.
Seemise became a qualified inspector in 2006 but his journey started in 2005 as a trainee at the Tshwane SPCA. From there he moved to the Mokopane SPCA to gain experience in working with large animals including livestock (cattle) and donkeys.
In 2012, Seemise joined the Midrand SPCA. He said working at the facility has been a pleasant experience.
“I sought a career as an animal welfare inspector because of my love for animals which was sparked by the fact that I grew up on a farm in Vaalwater, Limpopo.
“I have enjoyed working with the Midrand community but I would like to see residents volunteering to walk some of the animals in the facility, report animal cruelty, strays and injured animals because they can still remain anonymous,” said Seemise.
Also read: Midrand SPCA calls on the community to adopt animals
He highlighted that one of the challenging things in being an inspector is having to deal with people who report false complaints or use animals to fight personal battles, such as reporting animal abuse to spite someone when there is no abuse taking place.
“False complaints waste the resources of the society and take time away from serious cases which need serious attention.
“Another challenge is being contacted after hours for things which are not an emergency. Can the community please report things during office hours unless it’s an emergency and needs urgent attention?” said Seemise.
According to Seemise, an inspector’s duties include educating the community about animals, prosecuting people accused of animal cruelty, stopping dog fighting and inspecting animal welfare even with chickens that are sold on the streets, goats or sheep among other things.
“People should always remember that pain is pain and abuse is abuse, regardless of whether or not it’s inflicted on a person or animal,” concluded Seemise.
Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below or email our news editor at sarahk@caxton.co.za
Also check out:
