Inspector Rupee: Saving one paw at a time

“I HAVE always had a love-hate relationship with my job,” said senior inspector, Roshen Rupee, of the Durban and Coast SPCA in a recent interview with the Northglen News. On one end I have had an affinity towards animals since I was young, and being able to rescue and rehome an abandoned or abused animal is a great feeling. On the other end I have seen horrible cruelty that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he said. 

His day begins with complaints from the public being assigned to him and his fellow inspectors.  They are then expected to visit the reported properties to determine if any abuse or neglect is taking place. In many cases the inspectors are met by the sight of an injured or sick animal that has not been given any medical treatment. 

“Dogs who have been run over by cars and severe mange are common sights. People take on dogs for protection, despite not having the proper knowledge or funds to care for them,” he explained. 

Dog beatings, hoarding, chaining and dog-fighting are also common forms of animal abuse that the inspectors deal with on an almost daily basis, not to mention the rudeness and anger they have to endure from some of the pet owners. 

The highlight of his job, however, is seeing a rescue animal find a loving home, or when an abuser is found guilty and punished in court. This is why he urges the public to gather as much physical evidence as possible before reporting a case to the SPCA. Concrete evidence, or an affidavit from witnesses, give the courts a better chance at securing a conviction, he explained. 

“We also deal with wildlife. One of my fondest memories is rescuing and rehabilitating a pair of crows who were nesting in a cell phone tower. It is a rare thing to be able to experience something like that,” he said. 

Inspector Rupee was not always employed within his calling. For more than six years he was employed as a cabby, reservationist and passenger services employee. By chance he spotted a notice in the paper advertising an inspectorate position at the SPCA, and applied. 
The rest, he said, is history.