| 1872 |
The Cape of Good Hope
SPCA is founded on 20 May, becoming the founder society
of the SPCA movement and animal welfare in South Africa.
|
| 1897 |
The first Cruelty to
Animals Act is passed in Parliament, giving the SPCA the
necessary powers to curb cruelty to animals. This Act is
initiated by this SPCA.
|
| 1898 |
The SPCA holds its
first Annual Horse Parade in central Cape Town.
|
| 1900 |
The first horse-drawn ambulance is imported to South Africa from
England. In the same year Mr Anthony Bell represents
the Cape of Good Hope SPCA at the International Congress
of SPCAs in Paris. The acquisition of the first motor ambulance.
|
| 1906 |
Two bicycles are added
to our transport fleet. Secretary receives £5 horse allowance.
|
| 1908 |
Office moves to Greenmarket
Square.
|
| 1910 |
Simons Town erects
the first modern abattoir as a result of the Cape of Good
Hope SPCA’s campaigning.
|
| 1913 |
Office moves to Parliament
Street.
|
| 1919 |
The first SPCA hospital
and Home
|
| 1934 |
An animal clinic is
opened in Cape Town.
|
| 1945 |
Land is purchased for
the present SPCA centre in Grassy Park.
|
| 1956 |
The animal hospital
in Grassy Park is completed - the first of its kind in
Southern Africa. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA becomes a Founder
Member of the Federation of SPCAs of South Africa, which
subsequently in the 1980s becomes known as the National
Council of SPCAs.
|
| 1976 |
Focused support to
the disadvantaged communities is initiated
|
| 1983 |
Our policies on wide-ranging
animal problems are defined and adopted by the National
Council of SPCAs. A policy of sterilising all animals
that are placed in new homes is adopted by the SPCA.
|
| 1984 |
Increased education
and support to disadvantaged areas become a greater focus
for the society. Two new mobile clinics are introduced
to service the townships. A shift in attitude comes
about as the SPCA does not want to be seen as ‘a policeman’
and goes into the townships to educate. Prosecution
becomes the final resort.
Two new mobile clinics are introduced to service the townships.
A play is taken to all Xhosa-speaking schools to support the
education drive.
|
| 1985 |
A new sterilisation
clinic is built. A new wildlife unit is established and
treats 500 wild birds, animals and reptiles in its first
year.
|
| 1989 |
SPCA welcomes the
founding of the National Thoroughbred Trust, a trust fund
initiated by the racing industry to address the neglect
and abuse of retired racehorses.
|
| 1992 |
The SPCA develops its
first formal strategic plan and vision for the future.
It defines its mission statement as ‘We Speak for, Protect
and Care for Animals’.
|
| 1993 |
Footprints, our official
magazine, is launched as part of a new fundraising focus.
A new reception area, clinics and consulting rooms for our hospital
are built.
31 boarding kennels and 122 kennels for strays are rebuilt.
Grassed exercise areas are constructed in front of each row
of kennels.
Animal Week promotion is introduced at the Waterfront.
|
| 1994 |
First Wiggle Waggle
Walkathon is held. Puppy home is built.
|
| 1995 |
More kennels are refurbished. A dedicated Horse Care Unit is established in Grassy
Park, receiving financial support from the National Thoroughbred
Trust.
LDV and horse box are donated to the Horse Care Unit.
|
| 1996 |
Bequest Society is formed. The kennel reception area is substantially improved.
A new mobile clinic becomes operational, bringing the total to three. Hospital
walls and floors are tiled. New hospital isolation ward
is built from a single donation.
|
| 1997 |
A new cattery is built, one of the most modem in the country. Outside hospital
wards are heated and the hospital cat ward is modernised.
|
| 2003 |
Lotto funding enables the Ani-pals education programme to be launched. The aim
of the programme is to increase awareness of basic
animal care amongst young school children. It is primarily
targeted at underprivileged schools and includes a free
sterilisation service.
|
| 2006 |
Hospital undergoes major renovation and alterations with
newly-equipped theatre and three clinic rooms, substantially
increasing the number of animals helped. New feed room for
horse care unit is constructed.
|
| 2007 |
Dedicated Inspectorate building is opened with a 24-hour animal call centre to
receive cruelty reports. Dedicated Xhosa-speaking
educator is employed.
|
| 2009 |
Animal Cops South
Africa launches internationally. |
