Informants’ identity to remain confidential
NSPCA defends informants at High Court during big case and wins.
Law-abiding residents have been scared of the repercussions of informing authorities about animal abuse for too long.
Judgment was handed down in favour of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) from the Gauteng Provincial Court earlier this month (5 November) following a court case between the NSPCA and local pork producers.
The NSPCA started investigating the case in August 2013. While the outcome of the case is not known to the herald, the NSPCA won the right not to reveal the identity of their informants.
The pork producers wanted to know the identity of the NSPCA’s informant. This after a warrant was issued to search the premises where a sow had to be put down for health reasons.
The SPCA strongly defended the case against revealing the informant’s identity. Not only is the informant protected in this case but now the NSPCA never will have to reveal their informants’ identity and has legal support for this.
What does this mean for Randfontein residents?
Now the neighbour who treats his or her animals questionably can be reported to the SPCA anonymously and in complete confidentiality.
The NSPCA mainly rely on residents to stand up against others who mistreat animals. They urge residents to come forward with complaints.
According to Esté Kotzé, deputy CEO of the NSPCA, “We urge people to come forward with information about situations where animals are being treated cruelly, abused or neglected.”
• Details: Contact the NSPCA on 011 412 3114 or 011 753 1829.
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