Latest news with #CapeofGoodHopeSPCA
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Cape of Good Hope SPCA intervenes in illegal sheep transport
Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA together with the City of Cape Town's Animal Control Unit Auxiliary officers intervened in two cases of cruelty involving the illegal transport of sheep for traditional purposes on Sunday morning in Phillippi. Cape of Good Hope SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse said inspectors were patrolling the area when they came across the sheep intended for cultural slaughtering. Inspectors found one trailer "dangerously" overloaded with seven sheep, their legs tightly bound, piled on top of one another, while another trailer carried four sheep, also with legs bound, one with a severe, burst, and infected eye injury. 'The stench was overwhelming. Both trailers were in direct violation of the Animals Protection Act, and one driver who was unlicensed, along with the trailer was fined by Law Enforcement. The sheep were seized by our inspectors and are now in the safe care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. "All of the animals were destined for religious slaughter, but cruelty is never justified, no matter the context. We have a legal and moral duty to act and we will continue to do so. No animal deserves to suffer.'
The South African
12-06-2025
- General
- The South African
WATCH: Pensioner walks an hour to SPCA to save injured pup
A pensioner has been praised online for walking over five kilometres to ensure his injured pup was given medical attention. The fur-baby, Coco, had a broken leg, which required specialist surgery. However, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA was unable to perform this at the primary-care hospital. Inspectors had to break the sad news that the injured pup may have to be euthanised if they could not help. The next day, the loving owner, Mr Gertse, walked back to the SPCA with his injured pup and his heart broken, expecting the worst. But fortunately, fate had other plans. As a result, the story ended in happy tears. Through the sponsorship of kind donors, the organisation was able to give Coco a second chance. But, Cape of Good Hope SPCA's communications manager, Belinda Abraham, said a new technique was used to help the injured pup. 'We had to try an alternative to a surgery that was out of reach for Mr Gertse. Coco was young, and our vets felt that her soft bones might come together on their own. With the right bandaging technique, good pain control, ongoing nursing care and a lengthy stay in our hospital. But, we are delighted that we could unbreak a leg and unbreak a heart and give Coco back to the man who never gave up on her.' The pensioner and his beloved, Coco, shared a sweet reunion. The once-injured pup was delighted to see its owner again. 'Wet kisses for Mr Gertse and wet eyes for every SPCA staff member involved in her care. This kind of devotion can't be taught. But it lives in the hearts of people who, despite facing their struggles, choose compassion,' shared Abraham, who was moved by Mr Gertse and little Coco's story moved her. Abraham said the SPCA encourages responsible pet guardianship, including the ability to provide for an animal's basic and medical needs. 'We saw heart in every line on Mr Gertse's weathered and worried face. He didn't have transport. He didn't have money for surgery. But he had love. And he had the will to act. While our country's cost-of-living crisis deepens, we are seeing more people, especially the elderly, turning to us. Not because they're failing their pets, but because they are desperate not to. Their animals are family. Sometimes, they are all they have. We know that having less doesn't mean loving less.' The Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanked the community for their generous donations. Fortunately, the sponsorships helped save the injured pup. 'To everyone who helps us keep the lights on, the wards warm, and the doors open, thank you. Thank you for healing Coco and honouring the love of one man for his dog. No one should lose their animal simply for being poor,' said Abraham. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA treats an average of 18 pets an hour, every day. According to Abraham, the facility runs at a loss of over R5 million annually. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
03-06-2025
- IOL News
Lansdowne police arrest suspected serial cat killer in Ottery
An alleged cat killer has been arrested after a whistle-blower reported that the suspect is killing cats and put them in the municipal dust bin. An alleged cat killer has been arrested after a whistle-blower reported that the suspect is killing cats and put them in the municipal dust bin. Lansdowne police have arrested an accused serial cat killer in Ottery. A joint operation between SAPS and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA saw authorities nab the 29-year-old suspect inside his home in the informal settlement of Freedom Park in Ottery on Sunday. Authorities were told the man is responsible for the killing of five neighbourhood felines. The suspect is facing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday where the SPCA will be opposing bail. This comes after authorities received a tip-off alleging the suspect has killed more than five cats over the past few months in the area.
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
From Gordon's Bay to Simon's Town: Elephant seal's travels raise questions
The appearance of a southern elephant seal at the naval base in Simon's Town – days after he was rescued wandering the streets of Gordon's Bay – has led to speculation about why the marine mammal enjoys time on land. A comment on the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Facebook page suggested elephant seals come ashore to shed their skin once a year. The comment was accompanied by a question: Is this seal not trying to stay on land to do just that? The SPCA, who assisted with the nearly nine-hour rescue operation to return the seal (who has since been dubbed 'Gordy) to the sea, responded: 'Exactly! Gordy likely came ashore to molt, which is completely natural — but his location in Gordon's Bay put him at risk from human activity. That's why we stepped in to relocate him safely, so he could continue the process undisturbed.' Watch his Simon's Town visit: As Gordy keeps his lips 'sealed', we'll never know the true reason why this magnificent marine mammal enjoys a stroll off the beach. However, judging by the love spread on social media, his land adventures will always be welcomed. In true South African fashion, memes, sharp comments (like Shudley Daniels asking on Facebook if he is now a 'navy seal') and quirky adverts have since popped into the social media stream. Fidelity ADT posted this image with the caption: 'Let's address the Elephant Seal in the room. You never know what you may encounter on Mzansi's streets but at least you know Fidelity has your back. #FidelityKeepsYouSafe' SJC Security Services joined the action and posted this photo with the caption: ' The seal saga continues… This slippery guy escaped the sea twice and stirred up suburbia like a true seal-lebrity on tour. We weren't called, but like the rest of Mzanzi — we're loving the drama If Gordy goes on a third mission… we'll be ready. Happy Friday Fam! .' Over to you, Nando's! Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Russia Today
31-05-2025
- General
- Russia Today
Elephant seal returns to sea after unexpected appearance in town (VIDEOS, PHOTO)
A southern elephant seal has been safely returned to the ocean after wandering through the streets of Gordon's Bay, a coastal town near Cape Town, South Africa. The seal's appearance had prompted a large-scale rescue operation. The young male, estimated to weigh around two tons (4,400 pounds), was first spotted early Tuesday navigating the suburb's streets. Startled residents emerged from their homes to witness the unexpected visitor, capturing videos of the marine mammal lumbering along sidewalks. In one widely shared clip, police officers can be seen surrounding the visitor with their vehicles, attempting to prevent the animal from moving further. However, the seal showed no fear of the cars and calmly rested its head on the hood of a vehicle. After a while, it resumed its journey, making its way onto the sidewalk. Wow, I didn't have a huge seal in Gordons Bay, Cape Town in South Africa on my list of things to post today....🦭 The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed that the animal was eventually secured near a shopping center, at which point experts concluded it was unlikely to find its own way back to sea. A team of wildlife and emergency personnel was quickly dispatched to the scene. The organization also released a video showing the seal's return to the sea. The SPCA later confirmed in a Facebook post that the seal had hauled out once again, this time at the Naval Base in Simon's Town. 'He's currently safe and secure in a location where he cannot access any roads, and there's no immediate risk to his well-being,' the organization said. Southern elephant seals are the largest seal species in the world and are typically found in sub-Antarctic waters. While sightings in South Africa are rare, experts note that young males occasionally stray from their usual habitats and appear along the country's coastline. 'Wild animals don't always follow the script, and this seal's unexpected journey into a residential area created real cause for concern,' Belinda Abraham, a spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, stated. The organization also urged residents to avoid approaching, feeding, or attempting to assist wildlife spotted in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance.
