ANIMALS ARE NOT COMMODITIES OR DISPOSABLE ENTERTAINMENT is the message from the National Council of SPCAs as more issues come to light that indicate a callous, uncaring and reckless attitude towards animals.

“Animals are sentiment creatures,” affirms Christine Kuch, spokesperson of the NSPCA. There is no question that they feel pain and can suffer, including fish. Yet we continue to come across matters that clearly indicate a total disrespect and disregard for living creatures.”

Rodeo is inherently cruel. The NSPCA considers it blatant animal exploitation and has been working tremendously hard to curb this activity within our own country. There have been fatalities, including the death of one rider. Yet starting on 31 December, Channel 172 on DSTV features “Rodeo : Life on the Circuit”. The enthusiastic review in DISH magazine states that, “In this brand-new series, follow 14 cowboys and cowgirls as they embark on a gruelling tour of over 60 rodeos in the hope of proving their prowess and winning the opportunity to attend the Canadian Finals Rodeo Discovery HD Showcase.”

this is not fun for me...

Dog racing is illegal in South Africa. Yet the SABC 2 FOKUS programme featured footage of illegal racing. When producer Danie Hefers returned the calls to the NSPCA subsequent to the material being broadcast nationally, his response was defensive. He stated to Christine Kuch that FOKUS had been invited to have exclusive footage and exclusive use of that footage on how illegal dog racing events are organised. He added that it was not intended to be balanced and stressed that how FOKUS runs their programme is their right and that “nothing forces us as a broadcaster to include different groupings in one programme.”

We ask if such an attitude would have been demonstrated if footage of any other illegal activity had been given to them.

Whilst the giving of live animals as gifts is an ongoing problem area, it seems to be compounding as new ideas are promoted, to the detriment of living creatures. Live fish in glass bricks are not suitable gifts and severely compromise the welfare of the living creature inside. These “novelty” items are being promoted as corporate gifts or as wedding or party centre-pieces.

don't buy a real fish, buy one like me instead!

It is heartening that outraged members of the public are now coming forward to lodge complaints relating to these items. People who have contacted the NSPCA include individuals who have had Christmas gifts delivered to their door only to discover the “gift” is a live fish in a small container.

Given the size and the fact that the fish excrete in the glass containers, these fish are condemned to a life living in their own toilet.
The latest items drawn to our attention are so-called Magic Fish. The NSPCA has written to the company promoting and selling them, asking that they are withdrawn from sale. The Magic Fish are in fact a kit with a small glass bowl, shrimp eggs, sea salt and fish eggs in soil. When the shrimps hatch they are supposedly food for the emerging fish. Complaints received relate to the fact that fish die. The NSPCA believes that not only is the “habitat” inadequate, but there is a lack of information regarding welfare but the fact remains that the over-riding attitude is that living creatures are disposable novelties.

Welfare begins at home with everyone.

An appeal is made for attitudes of compassion and respect to prevail.

Please do not give living creatures of any kind as gifts. Please do not support any item or practice of concern that may compromise the welfare of any living creature.

Please make your views known to anyone who displays a callous, reckless or uncaring attitude towards animals of any kind.

The National Council of SPCAs, on behalf of the SPCA movement in South Africa, extends good wishes to all our citizens of the Islamic faith who will be celebrating or partaking in Qurbani which begins this year on 06 November 2011. This festival is celebrated annually and involves the slaughter or sacrifice of animals for religious reasons. Animals slaughtered would include sheep, goats and cattle.

Qurbani Animals

The NSPCA appeals to the Moslem community: – “In the spirit of Islam, we appeal to all who partake in Qurbani that animals are handled with respect and compassion.”

Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon his soul) taught kindness to animals. His order was for the animal to:

1. be over a certain age and size,
2. have no bruises or defects,
3. be prepared by feeding it and allowing it to drink water,
4. to be petted it as it is laid down,
5. to not be shown the knife,
6. to not be shown the slaughtering of another animal,
7. to have a knife used that is so sharp that it slaughters with one stroke,
8. to be slaughtered at the jugular vein which is proven to issue the least amount of suffering since the animal dies immediately.

The monitoring of Qurbani will take place throughout South Africa by most SPCAs. This includes manner of transportation, handling, holding of the animals plus checking premises and facilities and the actual sacrifice. The NSPCA will have monitoring teams at various sites where sacrificial slaughter will take place.

The SPCA movement encourages pre-stunning of all animals before slaughter and would like to see this become the norm, not the exception. The same standards apply to ALL types of slaughter: – religious, traditional, cultural and tribal.

Appreciation is also expressed for the growing number of Moslems who choose to donate money “in lieu” of a literal sacrifice.

The laws of South Africa do not conflict with the Qur’an.

The NSPCA states that “The Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 applies to all killings of animals: – all religious slaughter, traditional or ceremonial slaughter plus procedures at registered and illegal abattoirs. No single community or religious belief is being or has ever been singled out.”

NOTE: – The media statement above was forwarded in draft form to the Council of Moslem Theologians who advised the NSPCA on 28 October 2011 that “While we find the first 5 paragraphs acceptable, due to the above observations, it is not possible for us to endorse the statement as it stands. We however look forward to working with you in highlighting the importance of kindness to animals, an aspect which is part and parcel of the good practice of Islam.”

The National Council of SPCAs forwards the media release of the Euro Group for Animals below.

Eurogroup for Animals

A Eurogroup for Animals report released today illustrates the high risk of zoonoses from wild animals kept as pets. Zoonoses are diseases which are passed from animals to humans with sometimes fatal consequences. With an ever growing number of these animals imported, sold and kept in the EU the threat of disease increases and prevention policies are becoming urgent. At a meeting of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Animal Welfare in Strasbourg, MEPs were asked to support measures to restrict the import of wild animals.

Raccoons, snakes, gerbils, and iguanas are popular new companion animals which are often kept within the house and handled by children. Owners are often unaware that with the new pet comes a great risk of illness. From life threatening viruses such as rabies and the plague to salmonella and tuberculosis, this report provides an overview of the main diseases and the animals that carry them.

“The new Animal Welfare Strategy being prepared by the European Commission and due to be adopted in December should include the protection of companion animals, including restrictions on the keeping of wild animals as pets. In addition the Animal Health law due next year should also include provisions to assess the risk posed by wild animals and place restrictions on imports,” said Staci McLennan, Policy Officer Policy – Wild Animals at Eurogroup for Animals.

The legal market for wild animals globally accounts for millions of birds, apes, and amphibians with the EU as the second largest importer of live reptiles in the world. In addition the illegal trade in wildlife is comparable with drug and arms trafficking. It is very difficult to dismantle illegal trade networks as with any organised crime and to be successful this needs coordinated law enforcement actions.

Justin Gosling of the INTERPOL Environmental Crime Programme also speaking at the event supported the call for an increased response to the threat of organised crime stating: “Enforcement agencies should adopt intelligence led enforcement methods to combat wildlife trafficking.”

The wild animal pet trade is not only a serious health risk for humans, it is also an ecological disaster, as most species are caught in the wild, and an animal welfare catastrophe, as millions of wild animals are forced into inappropriate role of a pet. With living conditions unsuitable for wild animals and animals suffering from inappropriate care and handling many are abandoned with very little chance of finding new owners. Illegal trade needs to be prevented in order that animal no longer suffer and the risk of spreading disease is minimised.

For more information call: Martyn Griffiths, on 0032 (0)2 740 08 23 or e-mail: m.griffiths@eurogroupforanimals.org

Eurogroup for Animals represents animal welfare organisations in all EU Member States. Since its launch in 1980, the organisation has succeeded in encouraging the EU to adopt higher legal standards for animal protection. Eurogroup represents public opinion through its membership organisations across the Union, and has both the scientific and technical expertise to provide authoritative advice on issues relating to animal welfare. For more information, visit www.eurogroupforanimals.org

World Animal Day falls on Tuesday 04 October and it marks the start of International Animal Week. SPCAs throughout South Africa will be participating.

International Animal Week runs from 04 to 10 October annually.

Friends

The whole purpose of the week is to draw attention to animals in a celebratory way.

The public and media are asked to approach SPCAs in their area to find out what is happening and to join in to make this year’s celebrations memorable. Full contact details of all SPCAs in South Africa can be found on www.nspca.co.za .

The whole focus is positive, an appreciation of the wealth of animal life in South Africa from our magnificent whales to the variety of butterflies and birds, plus of course the wildlife, farm animals and domesticated animals.

The SPCA movement cares for, protects and works with all species of animals and is using International Animal Week to promote kindness, compassion and respect for all animals.

Be part of the week in whatever way you can.

Another animal has died in the name of sport and entertainment. According to the NSPCA, rodeo is a cruel exploitive activity.

Photo credit: The Kind Life

A bull broke its rear right leg in the second “event” of a rodeo at an agricultural show in Thabazimbi in Limpopo on Saturday 30 July. The veterinarian in attendance immediately stated that the animal needed to be put out of its suffering through emergency slaughter which was carried out by an SPCA Inspector and the veterinarian’s assistant.

The plan was to hold rodeos with 12 different “riders”.

Intervention from the NSPCA then took place and the rodeo was stopped.

Personnel from the NSPCA and SPCAs in training – Letaba, Louis Trichard, Mokopane and Polokwane and Rustenburg – were present. A Magisterial warrant had been obtained which included specific conditions: – no bucking straps were to be used on the animals, riders may not use spurs and no other equipment to be used on the animals.

Despite this, an animal fell, broke its leg and had to be destroyed.

The NSPCA is of the firm opinion that the events of Saturday evening are confirmation that rodeo is reckless, cruel and endangers animals – even without the equipment customarily used on the animals to make or encourage them to buck.

Recently, one horse had to be humanely destroyed after breaking its leg in a rodeo.

The NSPCA vehemently opposes rodeo and is campaigning hard to obtain support from the public for our stance. Please do not attend or support in any way events of this kind. If anyone hears about a planned rodeo or similar event, please let us know.

Please make contact telephonically with your local SPCA. There are 91 of them and this is the quickest way to help an animal that may be suffering or cruelly treated. You can find the number by going to the NSPCA web site – then call your local SPCA.

The National Council of SPCAs issues an urgent advisory with regard to the current adverse weather conditions that have resulted in snowfalls over parts of our country, plummeting temperatures and animals being affected: domestic, farm and wild animals.

Photo credit: SAWDIS

With snow blanketing vast areas and resultant road closures, an urgent appeal is made to all animal owners to be alert and attentive to potential problems and to take necessary precautions and actions to ensure adequate care during these adverse weather conditions.

The NSPCA has been advised that there are already vehicles carrying live animals being trapped in areas between road closures and unable to proceed on the journey. The best advice is not to transport animals in these conditions.

Feed is of great importance, especially to farm and wild animals if snow has covered grazing. Supplementary feed must be provided if natural food is unobtainable.

It goes without saying that in the case of ALL animals, access to water that is not frozen must be provided. Frostbite and pneumonia can develop in animals during extreme cold conditions. Sick, weak or injured animals must be brought under or preferably into shelter. Blankets, sacks or even hay bales can be used as protection for the animals if no other options exist.

Although domestic animals are less likely to be stranded in the cold than farm or wild animals, the same principles apply in that old, weak or sick animals require special care and protection, including insulation from the cold.

Please check under vehicles – inside engines if need be – to avoid tragedies occurring as animals may seek warmth.

The public is asked to report any specific issues relating to animals requiring assistance to their nearest SPCA or to the National Council of SPCAs on 011-907-3590.

The National Council of SPCAs has emergency response programmes and will assist in instances when animals are stranded or in cases where communities need assistance to reach or care for their animals. Please note that the National Council of SPCAs works with and protects ALL species of animals.

Our Honorary Patron, Nelson Mandela, turns 93 on 18 July. The National Council of SPCAs, on behalf of the SPCA movement in South Africa, wishes our Honorary Patron Nelson Mandela everything of the very best for a very happy birthday.

Calls have been made for everyone to mark his birthday by doing something meaningful ahead of what is now officially Global Mandela Day. It is wonderful that South Africans have taken Mandela Day to heart and are following his example by being generous towards others. The spirit of Mandela Day is to celebrate and honour the man himself by following his lead in helping others.

The appeal from the National Council of SPCAs is to ask everyone to start planning and thinking of ideas now. May we make some suggestions?

Happy birthday Madiba!

• Have you signed the pledges on www.nspca.co.za ? Anti-fireworks, eating less meat and supporting circuses that do not have animal acts.

• Sponsor a spay!

• Make a concerted effort to check labels and only support humanely-produced foods.

• Clear out cupboards and donate unwanted items (or anything you haven’t used for six months and over) to your local SPCA.

We ask individuals or groups who wish to visit an SPCA on the day to volunteer their services to contact the SPCA in question well ahead of time to assist with planning and to make necessary arrangements.

We are an organisation that exists to protect animals – all animals. We work with and assist especially the “forgotten” animals including the working donkeys, animals in laboratories, animals in “sport” or “entertainment” and the animals on farms or on feedlots.

The bitterly cold weather, unseasonable rains and the economy generally has affected SPCAs who appeal for assistance with regard to food, blankets and other items to assist animals in their care.

Photo credit: Animal Connection

An appeal is also made for financial assistance: – what are often dismissed as overheads or running costs are in fact essentials. Electricity, telephone and fuel expenses are necessary for every SPCA to fulfil its task of protecting animals, reacting to reports of cruelty or neglect and operating at full capacity.

There have been recent appeals by individual SPCAs which well-meaning people have exaggerated and circulated, hoping to attract support but spreading untruths which the SPCAs themselves deny. No animals have died at an SPCA due to lack of warmth. Those involved have apologised but such mails continue to circulate.

The fact is that all SPCAs are worthy of support. There is no objective way of determining the worth of one SPCA over another.

Please support the SPCA in your own area.

A list of all SPCAs in South Africa with contact details can be found on www.nspca.co.za.

Blankets and pet food are always needed and are welcomed.

Items such as books, used clothing, old toys or household items can be sold to raise valuable funds.

Income/donations are required as SPCAs do not receive government funding. Any income from a municipality is not a grant but payment for specific services rendered usually related to the local by-laws.

The National Council of SPCAs asks South Africa to join us in considering the plight and safety of animals in Japan as well as being mindful of deep concerns for the human population. Animals too are involved and suffering. As our hearts go out to the Japanese nation, let us not overlook the impact on animals.

Thank you for saving me...

Just as so many people in Japan now have nowhere to return to, neither do their animals. Animal welfare organisations in Japan need to assist with temporary housing for animals whose owners probably have no access to funds for food or veterinary care including for animals that may have been hurt.

Some people have saved nothing but their animals and now do not have money or other resources to care for them or feed them. Let us also not overlook farm animals, wildlife and facilities that hold animals.

This is why the National Council of SPCAs wishes to launch a fund to assist with the long-term issues arising from the recent events.

South Africans are already asking what – if any – aid is being given to assist animals in Japan. We are confirm that international animal-aid organisations are already there and working “on the ground” with existing animal welfare organisations in Japan.

The animal-related impacts are becoming clear and there will undoubtedly be long-term issues and concerns. Assistance will be required to help the Japanese to go forward once the situation has been “normalised” if this is the term that could be used. The monetary situation in Japan is such that disposable income to support welfare efforts is unlikely to be available.

Our sympathies go out to the nation of Japan. We hope that the efforts to assist people and animals are successful.

We need to be mindful that there is no quick-fix, that income to support current relief work may soon be diminished and that the after-effects will be lasting. To help us help the animals in Japan, please could donations be made: -

REFERENCE JAPAN
ACCOUNT NAME – NSPCA
BANK – STANDARD
BRANCH – ALBERTON
ACCOUNT NUMBER – 201 032 015
BRANCH CODE- 006 405

There is a donations facility on www.nspca.co.za but please reference any payments JAPAN for this income to be allocated to this specific fund.

A report of dying ostrich was confirmed when the National Council of SPCAs arrived at Beestekraal Farm in Vleiland, 45 km from Laingsburg in the Western Cape on Friday 04 March.

Photo credit: Stefan Vogt

“I arrived when it was almost dark,” explained Senior Inspector Grace de Lange of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Unit. “I saw adult ostrich lying dead beside the fence.”

“When I returned the next day with personnel from the nearest SPCA in Worcester we estimated that there were around 40 carcasses of dead adult ostrich on the vast property plus around 30 dead chicks. A veterinarian with knowledge of ostrich was summoned from the Oudtshoorn area who carried out random autopsies.”

”The birds had starved to death.”

Five ostrich were euthanased, being considered beyond saving and suffering in their state of extreme emaciation.

Food was delivered for the 630 remaining ostrich (adults and chicks) who were still alive. They are being closely monitored.

The owner/farmer admitted being in financial difficulties.

Appreciation is expressed to the individual who reported this tragedy. The NSPCA emphasises that the delay in contacting the animal welfare organisation led to unnecessary suffering and death. It has been said before and it is again emphasised that no matter what the reason may be, if animals and their welfare are being compromised let us know and the sooner the better.

Criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act will be laid.

The SPCA Oudtshoorn is thanked for assistance rendered.