The men and women in the SPCA’s Inspectorate are on the frontline in our fight against animal cruelty. Every day they face challenging, intimidating and often threatening situations where animals are at risk. In order for them to adequately handle these encounters and ensure that those responsible for animal abuse are held accountable, they must be skilled and trained to rescue animals in distress, issue warnings, seize animals in appalling conditions and instigate legal action against abusive and neglectful owners.

The SPCA will lay charges against anyone who contravenes the Animals Protection Act and whilst the rate of conviction is slow, this does not deter us from taking punitive action against those who harm animals. By working closely with the Mayoral Committee of Cape Town, the Inspectorate will advise them on Municipal Animal By-Laws, geared to offer increased protection for the rights of animals.

The Inspectorate ensures that every animal has the right to the following freedoms:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
2. Freedom from Discomfort
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

In addition to speaking to hundreds of animal owners on responsible animal care during their daily work, their initiatives included: combating cruelty (including dog fighting) through educational talks in schools and at community gatherings; Increasing the number of proactive outreaches in communities and Increasing Inspectorate visibility in informal settlements around Cape Town.

The SPCA is the only organisation that offers a 24-hour Inspectorate service. Contact our inspectorates by calling the control number 021 700 4158/4159, or after hours call 083 326 1604

Although we have specialised inspectors in the Wildlife, Horse Care, Farm Animal and Feral Cat units, all operate together as one Inspectorate unit.

Use the links alongside to find out more about our other services.