Abbreviation | NSPCA |
---|---|
Founded | 1955 |
Type | Non-Profit |
Focus | Animals Welfare |
Location | |
Area served | South Africa |
Leader | Marcelle Meredith (CEO, 1985 -) |
Revenue | R25 165 077,00 (2016) [1] |
Employees | 48 |
Website | www |
National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), also known as the National Council of SPCAs, [2] is the largest and oldest animal welfare organisation in South Africa. The NSPCA handles all matters relating to animal cruelty involving all animal species and is a registered Non-Profit Organisation registered with the Department of Social Development. [3]
The NSPCA is referred to as "NDBV" in Afrikaans (one of the 12 official languages in South Africa) and is also known as Nasionale Raad van Dierebeskermingsverenigings (NDBV). SPCA is DBV in Afrikaans. [4]
The mission of the NSPCA is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals, whilst their vision is to end animal cruelty in South Africa and engender compassion for all animals. [5]
The NSPCA was founded in 1955 and was named the federation of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs). The aim was to provide a forum to bring uniformity to welfare legislation and standards in South Africa. [6] The NSPCA later changed its name to the National Council of SPCAs. There are 70 member SPCAs in South Africa which are governed by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 169 of 1993 [7] which is administered by the NSPCA, thus making the NSPCA a statutory body. The SPCA Act also gives the NSPCA locus standi to act on behalf of animals in South Africa.
The NSPCA became well known for its involvement and handling of the Tuli Elephant case in 1998. The case involved thirty (30) juvenile elephants that were forcibly removed from their natural herds in the Tuli area of Botswana. The elephants had been transported to South Africa and were being trained using a circus elephant and individuals who had come out from Malaysia to do so. The training methods used were cruel and inhumane. A guilty verdict was given in court, this was a landmark achievement for the NSPCA and wild animals in South Africa. [8]
On 24 November 1994 Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, became the Patron-in-Chief of the NSPCA. [9] an honour he held until his death in 2013. After Mandela's death, the NSPCA described him as a man dedicated to human kind, to his country, friend and foe, animal and human; he stood for equality throughout his life. [10]
The NSPCA donated funding towards the assistance of animals affected by 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in Asia. The funding was donated to assist the animals directly that were affected by the tsunami. [11]
In November 2013 the NSPCA arrested 18 suspects who were caught in the act of illegal dog fighting in Tsakane in the East Rand. The suspects were arrested and charged for illegal dog fighting. Dog fighting is a criminal and prosecutable offence in South Africa. Fourteen (14) pit bull type dogs were confiscated from the property and were used for fighting purposes. Some of the dogs were badly injured as a result of the fighting and had to be humanely euthanised. [12] On 5 February 2018 a guilty verdict was handed down on 17 of the suspects by the presiding Magistrate in the Nigel Regional Court. Ten men were found guilty of being spectators at this dog fight and were sentenced to 2 years under strict house arrest (Benedict Ngcobo, Gift Nkabinde, Sabelo Mtshali, Thabiso Mahlangu, Bongani Skakane, Lehlohonolo Nomadola, Thulane Dhlosi, Mxolisi Khumalo, Nkosana Masilela, Sipho Masombuka). All the convicted men were found unfit to possess firearms and found unfit to own dogs, and, if found in possession of a dog, would be liable to 12 months direct imprisonment. Further to the life changing conditions of house arrest, the ten spectators were also sentenced to 360 hours of community service and a total of R50 000 to be paid to the NSPCA. During the course of this trial one of the accused chose to plead guilty and was sentenced to R20 000 or 20 months imprisonment which was suspended for 5 years on condition that he did not re-offend. [13]
A large number of farm animals died after being neglected on a farm owned by Thandi Modise, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in July 2014. In 2018, the NSPCA mounted a private prosecution with the assistance of AfriForum, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) failed to bring the matter to court.
Modise had responded to the claims by stating that she was "learning" how to farm, and that she had appointed a farm manager, but he had abandoned his duties to attend to a family matter. Approximately four months later, it was reported that conditions on the farm had improved, that Modise's cattle had been receiving sufficient food and were in an "acceptable condition". [14]
The NSPCA had its victory in the Constitutional Court of South Africa on 8 December 2016 when the organisation won its case it brought before the Court to institute Private Prosecutions in terms of Section 8 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977. This after the organisation lost its cases it brought before the North Gauteng High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa on the same matter of Private Prosecutions. [15] The reason the NSPCA brought the case before the Courts is because despite "overwhelming" evidence of animal cruelty or abuse‚ the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA) declined to prosecute the cases brought by the organisation, resulting in animal abusers not being charged on charges of animal cruelty. The Constitutional Court of South Africa also ruled that the Respondents, The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and the National Director of Public Prosecutions, were to pay the organisations costs in all three applications. [16]
The Wildlife Protection Unit of the NSPCA investigated a complaint in May 2017 of a baboon being abused in the care of the East London Zoo which is state owned and managed by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The baboon was known as William and was paralysed, dragging his body around in the enclosure. The East London Zoo failed to provide the baboon with veterinary care. The baboon had to be humanely euthanised. The NSPCA laid criminal charges against the East London Zoo and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. [17]
In 2016, Brian Boswell of the Boswell Circus, brought a civil case against the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), claiming a loss of income said to have been caused by the organisation speaking out against the circus's use of wild animals in performances, and sued the organisation for R16 349 805.36 plus interest. Some three years later, Mr Boswell and the Circus have withdrawn the case against the NSPCA and have tendered the NSPCA's legal costs. [18] Following the cancellation of and poor attendance at shows in certain towns due to public outcry, Mr Boswell instituted legal action against the organisation, blaming them for the cancellations and poor attendance, the alleged forced removal of wild animals from the circus performances and therefore causing a loss of income. The NSPCA defended the matter by filing legal papers and also called for financial documentation and further information from Mr Boswell, who was required to prove the loss of income. Mr Boswell withdrew the case and will be paying the NSPCA's legal costs. [19]
The Pretoria High Court ruled in favour of the NSPCA in a matter between the NSPCA and the Minister of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the South African Predator Breeders Association regarding the lion bone export quotas and the implications for the welfare of captive lion. [20] Judge Kollapen found that the quotas set in 2017 and 2018 for the export of lion bone skeletons were unlawful and unconstitutional, and did not follow due process. It was further stated that the Minister and the Department of Environmental Affairs disregarded the welfare of captive lion in setting the quota, and whilst welfare is not their mandate, the Minister and the DEA must take the welfare of captive lion, and other captive wildlife into consideration in decision making. [21] The NSPCA have recently opened a number of criminal cases against captive lion facilities that have neglected, and in some instances, completely disregarded the welfare of their lions. For these reasons, the NSPCA launched this application as the lion bone quota directly impacts the welfare of captive lions. [22]
An SPCA inspector's primary role is to respond to complaints about the ill-treatment or neglect of a range of animals in the community. A significant part of an inspector's duties is education. Often, animals are unintentionally neglected and those responsible are genuinely upset by the incident. There may be calls to emergency situations where animals require immediate assistance or rescue. Some instances may necessitate court action, so the inspector is required to gather evidence and prepare a prosecution file. [23]
In South Africa SPCA Inspectors are authorised in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (as amended) and the Performing Animals Protection Act No. 24 of 1935 (as amended), undertaking approximately 93 percent of all animal welfare investigations and prosecutions in South Africa. This means that in terms of both the Acts mentioned above, qualified inspectors with magisterial authorisation have the powers of a police officer. [6] These powers include the obtaining of search and seizure warrants to enter any premisses and seize any animal to prevent suffering and the arrest of any person for contravening the provisions of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 if there is reasonable grounds to believe that the ends of justice will be defeated in the delay of obtaining a warrant. [24]
The NSPCA has its own units who work towards ending animal cruelty in the lives of animals used in research, farm animals, wildlife, animals used in sports and entertainment, dogs in security, aquaculture and dogs used in the cruel practice of dog fighting. [25] The NSPCA deals with national issues and has ten operational units, namely:
The goal of the NSPCA Animal Ethics Unit is the replacement of animal experiments with humane alternatives. Until this can be achieved, we work to ensure that the minimum number of animals are used, and ensure that their welfare is upheld. [26]
The NSPCA Animal Ethics Unit adopts a constructive, practical approach:
The NSPCA Communications Unit includes Marketing, Public Relations and Web Management/Social Media functions as a support base and deals with branding, relationship management, publicity, communicating with the media and general public and securing donor funding. A key component of the Communications Unit is to showcase the NSPCA as the leader in animal welfare in South Africa and we strive to convey our messages in a way that is credible, visible and truthful. This portfolio has no budget and depend on donated services which includes creative work to develop advertising material, the production of advertisements and the placing of them in publications, on radio or on web sites and social media platforms. [27]
The NSPCA believes that all animals are deserving of consideration, even those being raised to feed people and other animals or those raised for their skins. We work towards persuading consumers, industry and government to build a future where cruelty is prevented. The NSPCA Farm Animal Protection Unit inspects facilities where farm animals are kept, used or farmed. Some of the areas covered by the Unit are intensive farming, draught animals, pounds, export, abattoirs, sale yards, transportation and small scale farmers. The Units activities include investigation of complaints, routine inspections and disaster response and assistance. More farm animals are used than any other type of animal in South Africa and farming is more and more seen as a lucrative source of income, especially by small scale farmers. The transition towards small scale farming, however, is not without effect on animal welfare and often aggravates welfare problems instead of solving them. These issues and problems are not limited to any one species of animal. There are certain legally acceptable farming systems that we are opposed to and believe are inhumane. While we strive to change perceptions and legislation, we also have to do everything possible to assist any animals that are suffering. [28]
The main objectives of the NSPCA Society Liaison Unit are to uphold and enforce the provisions of the SPCA Act No 169 of 1993, in terms of which its duty is to ensure that all 90 SPCAs comply with the policies and standards that have been formulated with these SPCAs and adopted over the years. The Unit actively promote co-operation between member SPCAs and their interests by providing advice, guidance, training, educational material, assistance with complex cases and, when necessary, making national appeals on behalf of struggling SPCAs. [29]
One of the responsibilities of the NSPCA Special Investigations Unit is to address the horrendous and illegal practice of dog fighting. Various dog fighting raids and pit bull cruelty court cases initiated by the NSPCA have presented opportunities and platforms towards bringing this cruel practice to the attention of both the private and the governmental sector. Ensuring that accurate information, based on fact, presented on an individual and public scale, has resulted in the NSPCA gaining credibility not only in our own country but also amongst the international community. Unit staff ensure that dog fighting cases already in the legal system continue forward and benefit from determined National Council and judicial system attention as well as maintained public support. The NSPCA Special Investigations Unit plays an active part in rescuing fight victims and ensuring, as far as possible, that perpetrators of dog fighting are brought to book. The Unit provides extensive guidance and support to SPCAs around the country to assist them in their individual campaigns against dog fighting. [30]
As the name suggests, the NSPCA Special Projects Unit is responsible for monitoring the welfare of animals which are used in recreational, guarding and exhibition activities. It also deals with animals that do not fit into the traditional production, companion or wild categories. The issues dealt with cover a diverse range of activities, and encompass animal husbandry, training and application. The Unit focuses on the following industries: pigeon racing, aquaculture, security companies using dogs, dog racing and the transportation of animals through our ports of entry and exit (borders). The Unit also works extensively on humane deterrents or control of "problem animals" and electronic training devices. [31]
Training is offered internally to SPCAs around South Africa (Inspectors, Refreshers, Seniors, Committees and Field Officers). It is essential, particularly in the case of new inspectors, that a sound and thorough knowledge of the law and legal procedures is imparted. The lecturers are all specialists in their fields and are thus able to answer questions and allow candidates an insight into a variety of subjects and provide for a valuable learning experience. The NSPCA Training Unit also offers appropriate training packages to stakeholders in the different fields of operation. Training of service providers assists in equipping officials to better understand and address animal welfare concerns in their varied work environments. [32]
The NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit has been in operation since 1987 and gained national recognition for its expertise and sound approach to the welfare of wildlife, often being called upon to assist in the resolution of practical problems. National issues and problems are addressed through the development of standards for the benefit of animals within the wildlife industry. The Unit is also active in providing welfare input into national and provincial legislation which control wild animal use. The Unit's activities include – wildlife rescue operations, lobbying to outlaw unethical practices, monitoring of conditions in zoos, sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres, elephant-back safaris, captive predator facilities et al. through pro-active inspections and complaint investigations and assisting SPCAs around the country with wildlife issues in their respective areas. The Unit provides awareness training on the Animal Protection Act, and its implications for captive wildlife facilities and wild animal welfare. [33]
The SPCA logo in South Africa is owned and trademarked by the NSPCA. The SPCA logo may not be reproduced, copied or used without the express written permission of the NSPCA. [34]
In 2012 The Executive Director of the NSPCA, Marcelle Meredith was the winner in the Eco-Angel award category of the Enviropaedia Eco-Logic Awards. [35] In the same year, she received the Humane Society International Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Achievement recognizing an individual animal protectionist (particularly those from developing countries) whose hard work and compassion have led him or her to exceptional levels of bravery and self-sacrifice in striving to mitigate and prevent the suffering of animals from neglect, cruelty and exploitation. [36]
In 2015, Meredith was awarded the Jeannette McDermott award for animal welfare. The award was created in Canada by the World Animal Protection in 1996 "in recognition of someone’s life devoted to animal welfare." Dominique Bellemare, Chairman of WAP Canada stated: "Marcelle has done amazing work for the past decade and for the cause of animal welfare. She has used her years on the international platform to advance the cause of animal welfare in Africa. I thank her profusely for all her work and dedication." [37] In the same year, Grace De Lange, a Senior Inspector working in the Farm Animal Protection Unit of the NSPCA, was awarded the Medal of Heroism Award at the Annual Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement Conference. [38]
In 2016 the Vice Chairperson of the NSPCA, Dr Jane Marston‚ won the Annual Women in Law Enforcement Award at the Indaba Hotel outside Johannesburg, South Africa. Marston has been the NSPCA's pro bono lawyer since 1997 and have been assisting the NSPCA on all cases through representation and preparation‚ and obtaining Senior Counsel to become involved. [39] In the same year the NSPCA won gold for its anti dogfighting campaign "Start a Dog Fight" at the Assegai Integrated Marketing Awards. The aim of the campaign was to bring about awareness of the seriousness of dogfighting in South Africa. The campaign was steered by Grey Advertising. [40] The Executive Director of the NSPCA, Marcelle Meredith, also received the Livestock Welfare Coordinating Committee award in recognition of her exceptional services to livestock welfare over decades. [41]
In 2017, the Manager of the NSPCA Special Investigations Unit, Senior Inspector Wendy Willson, was awarded the Medal of Heroism Award at the Annual Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement Conference. This is the third year in a row that an NSPCA representative has received an award at this annual ceremony in recognition for commitment to law enforcement. [42]
In 2018, the Manager of the NSPCA Training and Donkey Upliftment Units, Senior Inspector Morgane James, was awarded the Leadership Award at the Annual Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement Awards held on 23 May 2018. Morgane James has dedicated her life to the welfare of animals and has carried various responsibilities within the SPCA movement for over three decades. Morgane James has played an integral part in the achievements of the NSPCA. James has worked tirelessly to keep dog racing from being legalised in this country. She founded the NSPCA's Donkey Upliftment Projects to address the plight of working donkeys and to provide workable solutions to the people who depend on these animals for their livelihoods and thus improve the welfare of animals in their care. Along with promoting kindness to working donkeys, James has also worked extensively to address the illegal and inhumane donkey skin trade. She has also devoted much of her time and expertise to combating dog fighting in South Africa. [43]
Dog fighting is a type of blood sport that turns game and fighting dogs against each other in a physical fight, often to the death, for the purposes of gambling or entertainment to the spectators. In rural areas, fights are often staged in barns or outdoor pits; in urban areas, fights are often staged in garages, basements, warehouses, alleyways, abandoned buildings, neighborhood playgrounds, or in the streets. Dog fights usually last until one dog is declared a winner, which occurs when one dog fails to scratch, dies, or jumps out of the pit. Sometimes dog fights end without declaring a winner; for instance, the dog's owner may call the fight.
A humane society is a group that aims to stop cruelty to animals. In many countries, the term is used mostly for societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA). In the United Kingdom, and historically in the United States, such societies provide waterway rescue, prevention and recovery services, or may give awards for saving human life.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a charity operating in England and Wales which promotes animal welfare. The RSPCA is funded primarily by voluntary donations. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world, and is one of the largest charities in the UK. The organisation also does international outreach work across Europe, Africa and Asia.
A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a common name for non-profit animal welfare organizations around the world. The oldest SPCA organization is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which was founded in England in 1824. SPCA organizations operate independently of each other and campaign for animal welfare, assist in the prevention of cruelty to animals cases.
Cruelty to animals, also called animal abuse, animal neglect or animal cruelty, is the infliction of suffering or harm by humans upon animals, either by omission (neglect) or by commission. More narrowly, it can be the causing of harm or suffering for specific achievements, such as killing animals for entertainment; cruelty to animals sometimes encompasses inflicting harm or suffering as an end in itself, referred to as zoosadism. Divergent approaches to laws concerning animal cruelty occur in different jurisdictions throughout the world. For example, some laws govern methods of killing animals for food, clothing, or other products, and other laws concern the keeping of animals for entertainment, education, research, or pets. There are several conceptual approaches to the issue of cruelty to animals.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a charity to promote animal welfare in Scotland.
The Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a New Zealand charitable society who work to promote the humane treatment of animals. The society consists of 30 animal shelters and 6 vet partnerships around New Zealand, including many in regional areas. Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, SPCA inspectors have the exclusive power to investigate animal welfare complaints and prosecute abusers when necessary. The Royal NZ SPCA has initiated a range of animal welfare campaigns. It has launched public education campaigns about the humane treatment of animals, and has encouraged people to change their behaviour towards animals. SPCA has also run advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting law changes or questioning the legality of certain practices.
World Animal Protection, formerly The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), is an international non-profit animal welfare organization that has been in operation since 1981. The charity's mission is to create a better world for animals by protecting them.
RSPCA Australia is an Australian peak organisation established in 1981 to promote animal welfare. Each state and territory of Australia has an RSPCA organisation that predates and is affiliated with RSPCA Australia.
Humane Society International (HSI) is the international division of The Humane Society of the United States. Founded in 1991, HSI has expanded The HSUS's activities into Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. HSI's Asian, Australian, Canadian, and European offices carry out field activities and programs.
Zimbabwe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the abuse of animals.
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or DSPCA is a registered charity, established in 1840 to prevent cruelty to animals in Dublin in Ireland.
Brian Davies was a Welsh animal welfare activist who founded three major international animal welfare organizations, Network for Animals (NFA), Animal Survival International (ASI) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Davies retired from the IFAW in 2003, but remained active at the NFA and ASI.
Established in 1872, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Cape Town is the founding society of the SPCA movement in South Africa and is the oldest animal welfare organisation in the country. A registered non-profit organisation and Public Benefit Organisation, the society is affiliated to the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) and are Executive Members of the National Council of SPCAs South Africa (NSPCA), as well as a member of the World Animal Protection organization.
Animal welfare in the United Kingdom relates to the treatment of animals in fields such as agriculture, hunting, medical testing and the domestic ownership of animals. It is distinct from animal conservation.
Animal welfare and rights in India regards the treatment of and laws concerning non-human animals in India. It is distinct from animal conservation in India.
Animal welfare and rights in South Africa is about the treatment of and laws concerning non-human animals in South Africa.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non-profit animal welfare organization which advocates for animal protection legislation, operates animal shelters, and runs educational workshops and public awareness programs throughout British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1896, it is a registered charitable organization and one of the largest such animal welfare organizations in North America. As of 2017, BC SPCA had 36 branches, over 500 staff members, nearly 5500 volunteers, operated 5 veterinary hospitals/clinics and a wildlife rehabilitation centre, and sheltered more than 22000 animals. It is also one of the few animal welfare organizations to monitor animals in film.
Marcelle Meredith was born in Zambia and grew up in South Africa. She is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA). Meredith has been in the position since 1991.
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