What happens when you report cruelty?

Our Inspectorate aims to respond to reports of cruelty within 24 hours.

The Inspector determines the severity of the situation. A warning may be issued – to compel the owner to make changes – or the Inspector may remove the animal. If a warning is issued, the Inspector will make a follow-up visit to check on the animal’s welfare.

In cases of outright abuse or wilful neglect, the SPCA will seize the animal and instigate criminal charges against the person responsible. In such cases the confiscated animal must be cared for until the case is finalised – unless the SPCA’s vet recommends euthanasia, to prevent further suffering.

Wherever possible we try to convince the owner to surrender the animal to the SPCA, so that they can be placed in new homes – and not have to wait for the outcome of a court case.

What are the laws relating to animals?

The welfare of animals is protected by law, under the Animals Protection Act.

This legislation, as well as the Performing Animals Protection Act, is most often referred to by the SPCA.

Convicted under the Animals Protection Act, offenders must live with a criminal record – and can face a large fine and even a few years imprisonment. The sentence is one year imprisonment for cruelty, two years imprisonment for animal fights with or without the option of a fine determined by the courts, which depends on the level of the court. A District Court has the authority of up to R20 000 but a Regional Court has the authority of up to R300 000. The magistrate can also impose a ban on pet ownership and order the offender to complete community service.

Apart from reporting cruelty, you can also help us prosecute those responsible by donating towards the costs.