Bloemfontein SPCA Statement Of Policy
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.
Any reference to “The SPCA” in this document refers to the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), South Africa.
Each policy statement is supported by a corresponding position statement, intended to clearly set out the SPCA’s stance on key animal welfare issues.
1. PREAMBLE
The SPCA believes that every living creature has intrinsic value and is a sentient being. Our primary and motivating concern is the prevention of cruelty to all animals and the promotion of humane treatment through leadership, education, and law enforcement.
All SPCAs in South Africa operate under the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act No. 169 of 1993. This legislation is administered by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA)—a statutory body that addresses national issues and enforces the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 across South Africa.
On 8 December 2016, the Constitutional Court confirmed that the NSPCA has statutory power to institute private prosecutions under section 6(2)(e) of the SPCA Act No. 169 of 1993, read with section 8 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 51 of 1977.
As attitudes evolve with increased awareness and education, what one generation accepts may be rejected by the next. Therefore, this policy reflects current understanding and may be revised as new information becomes available. It is not intended to replace legislation but to amplify it with practical guidance. The topics listed are not exhaustive but cover broad, commonly encountered issues central to the SPCA’s mission.
While the primary focus is on the South African context, the SPCA also provides support to international efforts that align with its objectives.
1.1 The Five Freedoms
The SPCA evaluates animal well-being through the internationally recognised Five Freedoms:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst – through access to fresh water and a proper diet.
- Freedom from discomfort – via suitable shelter and resting areas.
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease – through prevention, prompt diagnosis, and treatment.
- Freedom to express normal behaviour – with adequate space, appropriate facilities, and company of the same kind.
- Freedom from fear and distress – by ensuring mental well-being through appropriate conditions and handling.
2. DEFINITIONS
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Animal: Any live, non-human vertebrate—including fertilised eggs, foetuses, and embryos (once past half gestation or capable of independent feeding). This includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, domestic, wild, feral, farm, purpose-bred animals, and higher invertebrates (e.g., cephalopods and decapods).
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Suffering: Negative experiences—such as pain, distress, or hardship—whether physical, physiological, or psychological.
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Well-being: Positive physical, mental, and emotional states. It includes the ability to function biologically, express natural behaviours, cope with challenges, and experience a positive quality of life.
3. GENERAL
3.1 Transport of Live Animals
The SPCA opposes any transport that compromises animal well-being or causes pain, suffering, or distress.
3.2 Live Animals as Prizes
The SPCA is opposed to offering live animals as prizes.
3.3 Live Animals Used as Food
The SPCA opposes feeding live animals to other animals.
3.4 Consumption of Live Animals by Humans
The SPCA is opposed to the preparation or consumption of live animals.
3.5 Human-Animal Conflict
The SPCA opposes the use or sale of snares, traps, chemicals, or methods of control that may cause harm or suffering.
3.6 Genetic Modification
The SPCA opposes genetic manipulation that results in pain, distress, or lasting harm.
3.7 Commercial Fishing
The SPCA supports humane, eco-sensitive fishing methods and opposes inhumane or indiscriminate practices.
3.8 Sexual Offences
The use of animals in human sexual acts is illegal and condemned.
3.9 Infant or Dependent Animals
The SPCA opposes the sale or use of underdeveloped animals, unless for legitimate conservation or welfare purposes.
3.10 Physical Alterations
The SPCA opposes mutilation unless medically or conservationally necessary, using humane, pain-free methods.
3.11 End of Life
The SPCA supports humane euthanasia and opposes inhumane killing methods. Slaughter for consumption should happen as close to source as possible.
4. FARM ANIMALS
4.1 Farming Practices
Opposes any system or practice that causes animal suffering.
4.2 Systems Development
Opposes the development of harmful or inhumane farming systems.
4.3 Consumer Awareness
Advocates for clear labelling of products reflecting the method of animal production.
4.4 Unnatural Enhancements
Opposes management practices that impair health, movement, or natural behaviour.
4.5 Electro-immobilisation
Opposed in all forms.
4.6 Animal Identification
Supports humane identification methods only.
5. COMPANION ANIMALS
5.1 Responsible Guardianship
Opposes pet ownership by individuals lacking the capacity for proper care. Also opposes the keeping of indigenous wild or exotic animals as pets.
5.2 Population Control
Promotes early sterilisation (from 8 weeks for cats and dogs) to manage overpopulation.
5.3 Breeding
Opposes all private and commercial breeding for the pet trade, especially when detrimental to animal well-being.
5.4 Euthanasia
Opposes unnecessary euthanasia, but acknowledges it as a humane necessity in certain cases. Must be done compassionately and professionally.
5.5 Feral Cats
Supports humane management and control of feral cat populations.
5.6 Companion Animal Traders
Opposes the trade of companion animals.
6. ANIMALS USED FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES
6.1 Pain and Suffering
Opposes use of animals in scientific procedures that cause suffering.
6.2 Unnecessary Testing
Opposes redundant or non-essential research where alternatives exist.
6.3 Ethics Committees
Requires review and approval of any research by a legitimate ethics board.
6.4 The 4 Rs
Supports:
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Replacement: Use alternatives to animals when possible
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Reduction: Use the fewest animals necessary
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Refinement: Minimise pain or distress
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Responsibility: Ethical accountability for animal welfare
7. ANIMALS IN ENTERTAINMENT, EXHIBITION OR SPORT
General
Opposes use of animals for entertainment that causes harm or suffering.
7.1 Hunting and Fishing
Opposes recreational hunting and fishing for sport or exhibition.
7.2 Sporting Disciplines
Opposes all animal sports that result in distress or harm.
7.3 Animal Racing
Opposes animal racing in all forms.
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hours
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
Saturdays: 08:00 - 12:00
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
There is someone available 24/7 at the SPCA,
should you need to drop off an animal.
NPO Number: 002-592 NPO
PBO Number: 930023047
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