As doting pet parents and animal lovers, it’s hard to fathom how someone could harm a defenceless animal — but you’ll be surprised how often this happens. Millions of animals globally, fall victim to unreported abuse.
Animals can’t speak for themselves, so we, as animal lovers, have to be their voice and protect them. In this article, we’ll explain how you can help prevent the mistreatment of animals and provide ways to advocate for animals.
What can I do to help stop animal cruelty?
Most animal lovers want to do their part in stopping violence against animals but are unsure where to start. Here are some things you can do.
Adjust your lifestyle
A simple way to take a stand against animal cruelty is to stop supporting companies that practice it.
Make the effort to do business with cruelty-free brands that don’t test on animals when browsing cosmetics, body care, and household cleaning products and look for the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free logo when in stores.
You might also consider adopting a plant-based lifestyle. However, we understand that going plant-based is often the most challenging lifestyle change for people since animal products are so ingrained in our food culture. If you’re unable or unwilling to go 100% vegan, try taking small steps to reduce your consumption of animal products, like cooking one vegetarian meal per week.
Support Us
A great way to help stop animal cruelty is to show your support for your local animal rescue organisations. We have a large volume of animals on our premises and volunteering is a free way you can contribute and give our rescue animals the love they deserve.
Here at the Cape of GoodHope SPCA, we can always use the extra hands and if you’re unable to volunteer your time, we will equally appreciate donations of old blankets, pet food, and toys.
We often post information about our projects and you can help by sharing posts about the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on your social media platforms to help spread awareness for the causes we are involved in.
Report Animal Cruelty When You See It
If you happen to witness animal cruelty, make sure you report it to our Inspectorate on 021 700 4158/9 and to law enforcement.
Our Inspectorate hub is comprised of Inspectors, Controllers and Control Officers who respond to approximately 115 animal cruelty/ distress alerts daily (55 000 annually) and operate all year round 24 hours per day.
Take pictures or videos of the abuse if you are able to.
Video and photographic evidence will strengthen the case and help police prosecute the offender to the fullest extent of the law.
Set a Good Example
Lead by example when it comes to the treatment of animals. Teach your kids to respect animals and demonstrate the proper way to handle and care for them. Encourage your children to advocate for helpless animals and step in when they see animal abuse. Find out about our Education Department and the Anipals puppet show.
Sterilise: Spay or Neuter your Pets
Spaying or neutering your pets is crucial for preventing unwanted litters that often end up in shelters or fall victim to animal abusers.
Help Pets of Those Less Fortunate
The sad reality is that many disadvantaged pet owners cannot afford the costs of sterilisation, vaccinations and microchipping.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Identipet and @Frits Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre have joined forces to introduce the Cape Town Pet Upliftment Project (CTPUP). Full vaccination, sterilisation and micro-chipping can be purchased on behalf of someone less fortunate for only R600 from @Frits or your local vet and selected pet stores.
*To qualify for vaccination and microchip, all pets must be sterilised in accordance with CoGH SPCA Regulations.
We hope this article gives you the courage to take steps to help stop animal cruelty and become an animal activist.
Please report animal abuse if you see it, set a good example for others, and raise your children to advocate for the voiceless. These small steps can make a huge impact for all animals in need.
