The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), formerly known as the National Council of SPCAs, is South Africa’s largest and oldest animal protection organization. The NSPCA is a certified Non-Profit Organization with the Department of Social Development that handles all animal cruelty cases involving all animal species.
The NSPCA is also known as the Nasionale Raad van Dierebeskermingsverenigings in Afrikaans (one of South Africa’s 11 official languages) (NDBV). In Afrikaans, SPCA is DBV.
Vision and Mission
The NSPCA’s Mission is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals, and their Vision is to put an end to animal cruelty in South Africa and instill compassion for all animals.
History
The NSPCA was founded in 1955 as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Federation (SPCAs). The goal was to create a forum to promote uniformity to South African welfare legislation and standards. The NSPCA was eventually renamed the National Council of SPCAs. In South Africa, there are approximately 90 member SPCAs governed by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 169 of 1993, which is handled by the NSPCA, making the NSPCA a statutory entity. The SPCA Act also empowers the NSPCA to act on behalf of animals in South Africa.
What exactly does the SPCA do?
The SPCA is in charge of safeguarding and caring for abandoned animals, combating animal abuse, and raising awareness about animal care. Pet overpopulation, stray animals, mistreatment, and disease are all issues in many rural communities where people do not have access to animal clinics.
What authority does the SPCA have?
In terms of the Animals Protection Act and the Performing Animals Protection Act, an SPCA Inspector with Magisterial Authorisation has the same powers as a police officer. The Acts establish powers of entrance as well as powers of seizure (of an animal).
Can the SPCA seize animals?
As a result, it’s understandable that individuals are struggling to care for themselves, their families, and their cherished pets. The NSPCA would like to remind the public that any unwanted or stray animals can be surrendered to any of the SPCA locations around the country, free of charge.
