SPCAs in South Africa are governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993 which is administered by the NSPCA, constituting us as a statutory body. Inspectors are authorised in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the Performing Animals Protection Act No. 24 of 1935 with the SPCA movement collectively undertaking over 90% of all animal welfare investigations and prosecutions in South Africa.
Apart from dealing with legislation and specialist matters, the NSPCA also operates in areas where there is no existing SPCA, or where support is required, or has been specifically requested, or in response to disasters (i.e. emergencies, floods, fires).
National issues include but are not limited to:
Awareness Campaigns
Community Outreaches
Compilation of Codes and Regulations
Development of Committees
Development of National Standards for animal care within industries that utilise animals
Disaster Response
Education
Emergency Relief
Liaison with animal-related industries
Media Releases on national and international issues
Monitoring of welfare standards
Negotiation at Government and Provincial authorities
Presentation of courses on animal welfare to Prisons Services, South African Police Services and Traffic Services
Pro-active welfare work
Researching the link between animal cruelty and human abuse
Training of SPCA Inspectors and Committee Members
Monitoring Welfare:
In its statement of policy the NSPCA is clear regarding its opposition to certain practices which contravene our primary and motivating concern which is the prevention of cruelty to all living creatures.
Utilisation of animals gives humans neither the right nor the licence to exploit or abuse any animal in the process.
The NSPCA is opposed to animal racing, animal fighting, the keeping of wild animals as pets, any degree of confinement or the use of any animal in sport, entertainment or exhibition likely to cause distress or suffering, and the unnecessary confinement of wild animals.
The NSPCA advocates responsible pet ownership.
The NSPCA is not government funded and relies on the generosity of public support
The lives of tens of thousands of animals are improved because of our passion, our intervention, and our commitment to bring about change in the agriculture, wildlife and research sectors. In a country that spans over a million square kilometres, there are areas where there is no SPCA, no animal welfare organisations and no veterinary services.
The NSPCA plays a vital role in bringing extraordinary help to these people and their animals.