SPCA ‘election poster’ campaign turns heads

IN the run-up to the national elections, it is not uncommon to see street poles festooned with calls to vote, but a clever ploy for the SPCA left Durbanites wondering if a new party had entered the fray.

This morning, 6 May posters designed to work in conjunction with existing political posters went up around Durban, urging people to ‘upgrade a life’ by supporting the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).

The ingenious publicity campaign was put together by The Hardy Boys in less than two weeks. “We saw the elections as the perfect opportunity to highlight an issue we feel has received less attention than it deserves in the run up to these elections. We believe everyone who is eligible to vote should exercise that right. But as they cast their votes we hope they spare a thought for the millions of animals who don’t have a voice,” said The Hardy Boys CEO, Dale Tomlinson.

NSPCA spokesman, Christine Kuch added: “Elections are generally a time when South Africans reflect on issues that are important to them. Our aim with this campaign is to remind voters that the welfare of all animals should be one of those issues. While we are not endorsing any political party, we hope more parties will include the welfare of all animals on their election manifestos in future.

Jobs, economic empowerment and the environment are tremendously important issues. But we believe strongly that how a nation treats its animals is as important. It’s a measure of the country’s maturity and compassion.”

Have you seen any of these posters? What do you think of the campaign and should animal rights be highlighted by political parties?