SPCA engages town councils over animal cruelty

WINDHOEK, Feb. 4 – The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Namibia has called on Town Councils in the northern parts of Namibia to engage the public over animal cruelty.

An investigation by the Oshana SPCA on animal cruelty revealed that some livestock kept in pens by owners, were not provided with sufficient feed and thus faced starvation.

Recently, the the High Court ordered the release of all stray animals impounded by the Ondangwa Town Council, and barred the Town Council from further impounding stray animals until Council has drafted and implemented policy regulations on impounding strays.

Cows at the impound

This is to ensure that the Council’s compliance with the Animal Protection Act, Act 71 of 1962 and the impound regulation No. 191 of 1994. The Court further ordered that the Town Council submit biweekly reports with photos on the condition of animals in the holding pens. Impounding will only be allowed to commence once policy regulations have been implemented.

Ondangwa Town Council has been known to impound all animals that stray into the Town for grazing, and require owners to pay a fine upon the collection of the animals from the pound.

W. Horn Attorneys applied for the court interdict on behalf of Wilmarie Horn, a committee member of Oshana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Earlier this year, Horn questioned Council’s actions when It pounced on the impounding pen, following a tip-off that animals were dying of starvation.

Various animals at the impound

Oshana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Animals has set its sights on the Okahao Town Council, where impounded stray animals are living in deplorable conditions.

In a statement issued by SPCA, justified putting a donkey out of its misery, saying it invoked section 5 (5) of the Animal Protection Act when they put down the animal, because the state veterinarian did not have the drug to euthanize it.

“The donkeys have been impounded for about four to five months as auction advertisement is crippled by ministerial red tape. Although shading, water and food are provided, it is not sufficient, and the food is (made) mouldy by the rain,” read the statement.

Furthermore it indicated that the impounding pen is dirty, full of plastics and dangerous metal pieces. The SPCA says it had met with the town council to “assist them to comply with animal welfare legislation and pound regulations.” – NDN Staffer