Be the voice of those that cannot speak

In an attempt to combat animal cruelty, Heather Gero from the SPCA urged residents to report it.

Steps to follow when reporting animal cruelty:

Each animal cruelty case is different, with specific actions to be followed in each scenario.

The following guideline could assist in saving an animal’s live.

1. If the cruelty is something that can be stopped immediately, then stop it. For example, if an animal is being beaten, intervene if it can be done safely.

2. Few occasions arise when a camera is readily available, but if possible, photographs are useful evidence in SPCA investigations.

3. Contact the SPCA as soon as possible. Please report situations of concern telephonically, as Facebook and emails may not be monitored around the clock.

4. When reporting cruelty, it is important to give your name, address and telephone number for record purposes. This also enables the SPCA to inform you of the result of the investigation. It is the SPCA’s policy to treat all complaints in the strictest confidence and names of complainants are divulged to no one.

5. Give a detailed description of what you saw, as factually and unemotionally as you are able. This is important as emotion clouds coherence, and important details may be omitted.

6. Don’t be afraid to get involved in any legal proceedings which may ensue. “After all, if you feel strongly enough to report the matter, you should be prepared to assist us to do whatever has to be done to set the matter right and bring the offenders to justice,” Mrs Gero said.

To report animal cruelty, contact the SPCA on 034 318 2346.