adoption & rescue
From Mpumalanga to KwaZulu-Natal, the NSPCA’ s Special Projects Unit confronts cruelty head-on – rescuing animals from neglect, abuse, and even viral videos. These frontline inspectors prove that one call can turn horror into hope.
The work of the National Council of SPCAs( NSPCA) covers all animals, from farm animals and wildlife to the cats and dogs that share our homes. While the organisation does not operate kennel facilities, it has specialised Units that focus on specific animal welfare issues across the country.
The Special Projects Unit handles animal welfare matters that fall outside the scope of Farm Animal or Wildlife Protection. Its Inspectors are trained to identify and investigate crimes against animals, including dog fighting, hunting with dogs, animal racing, working animals, and social media cruelty. They also work in areas that do not have access to local SPCAs, which means travelling across South Africa to ensure the humane treatment of animals and the prevention of cruelty.
Recently, the Special Projects Unit was involved in a series of rescues from Trichardt in Mpumalanga, to KwaZulu-Natal and finally, to a town on the East Rand in Gauteng.
28 sick animals rescued in Mpumalanga
In Trichardt, Inspectors arrived at a small house to find it packed with cats and dogs. The smell hit them before they were through the door. The floors were covered in urine and faeces, and the animals living there were in poor condition.
Several cats were suffering from snuffles, a highly contagious illness affecting the upper respiratory tract that causes sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and fever. Left untreated, it can lead to severe long-term health issues. Some cats had already lost significant weight as a result.
The dogs in the backyard were in equally poor condition. Approximately 21 dogs of various ages and sizes were crammed into a space barely large enough for them to move. The ground was layered with faeces, and the dogs had untreated eye injuries, growths, overgrown nails, and signs of malnourishment.
The owners had received two previous warnings to improve conditions and provide veterinary care. They had not done so. Inspectors removed seven cats and all 21 dogs and moved them to a place of safety. Once they are strong and healthy enough, they will be available for adoption.
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