ICYMI: SPCA concerned about illegal hunting in Midrand

The Midrand SPCA has dealt with a number of incidents of illegal hunting in the Midrand area and are calling on local communities to assist in curbing this issue.

General manager of the Midrand SPCA Pam Pretorius said, “Illegal hunting has always been an issue. We have been able to curb it in recent years but with the closing of schools there are many cases of teenagers taking dogs, either strays or from someone else’s yard for the purpose of hunting animals. Apart from these actions being illegal, its also incredibly abusive and damaging to the dogs.

“With the Covid-19 pandemic and schools closed, there have been new cases that we have had to investigate.” She added that in many cases, these dogs were starved for days to prepare them for the hunt.

“They also at times suffer from injuries during the hunt and heat exhaustion. Generally the kill is not instant and their prey would either be ripped apart or suffer a slow and painful death.

“This is also in contravention of the Animal Protection Act as animals are being incited to attack other animals.”

The organisation recently attended to two cases of illegal hunting. The first incident took place in Glen Austin on 13 September when the SPCA, with the help of Midrand police, Midrand CPF and Gauteng Nature Conservation, apprehended three teenagers and recovered eight dogs who were used to hunt dassies in the area.

In the second case, they were alerted by the local community in President Park on 20 September and apprehended 12 children who were in possession of 10 dogs. In both cases, many of the dogs had a number of injuries including ulcerated eyes and lame legs.

Pretorius said the Midrand SPCA had taken these dogs in and would give them care while also attempting to reunite them with their owners. The Midrand SPCA is pleading with the local community to report any instances of illegal hunting to them on 011 265 9935.

Details: info@midrandspca.co.za