SPCA Amahlathi

31/05/2026

This is why we encourage TNR to all places where feral colonies live

28/05/2026

Thank you so much to Red Alert for this much needed donation of cleaning products for our society. Much appreciated for the support.

28/05/2026

- EUTHANASIA AT SPCAs

The SPCA lives for the day when healthy animals are no longer euthanased owing to the lack of suitable homes. However, as a result of the current overpopulation of domestic animals caused by indiscriminate breeding, the dumping of unwanted animals, irresponsible guardianship of companion animals, lack of sterilisation and inadequate enforcement of legislation, the SPCA accepts with great reluctance that euthanasia is necessary.

The SPCA believes that unwanted companion animals deserve a dignified, painless death rather than risk suffering resulting from animal cruelty such as malnutrition, disease, trauma, and physical abuse – all commonly associated with unwanted or neglected animals.

The reality is that there are more unwanted animals in South Africa, than there are good, quality homes which places SPCAs in an incredibly difficult position. There are also many other welfare organisations who also euthanase animals but who do not make the public aware of this as they have seen the manner in which the SPCA is relentlessly criticised.

It is of concern that it is only the SPCA which is selectively targeted in this way.
Arguments are frequently put forward that if SPCAs permitted “long-distance” adoptions, or kept animals for longer periods, euthanasia could be avoided or drastically reduced. Neither of these takes into account the number of animals involved nor the reason/s for euthanasia.

A “healthy” animal may be euthanased for behavioural reasons such as incompatibility with other animals or documented unprovoked attacks on people.
Disease is also a major factor. SPCAs are susceptible in that by law (the SPCA movement is governed by Act 169 of 1993) they may not turn away any animal. If there is a breakout of an infectious disease, it is tragic yet inevitable that to prevent further spread, there have to be measures taken which may include euthanasia.

Finding someone to take an animal to avoid euthanasing it is irresponsible. Offering to take an animal having been led to believe that euthanasia might be imminent is emotional blackmail, impulse adopting and the long-term welfare of the animal is put at risk. Furthermore, it is inhumane to confine animals for long periods. The result of long term confinement is stress and this may lead to self-injury/harm, or behavioural problems which may never be overcome: - rendering the animal even less likely to be adopted or to settle in a home. Not to mention, the psychological and emotional health of an animal is as important as their physical health.

In conclusion, the SPCA is opposed to the euthanasia of fit and healthy animals but accepts the reality that euthanasia is necessary. The SPCA treats each case with the greatest care and compassion, realising that there are fates far worse than death.

27/05/2026

Rather help tortoises across rd in direction they are moving. Don't take them home.

Wild tortoises belong in the wild.

Every year, indigenous tortoises are removed from their natural habitats, relocated, kept as pets, painted, marked, chained, or unnecessarily “rescued” by well-meaning people. Unfortunately, these actions can cause immense stress, injury, disorientation and even death.

Here's a little infographic on what to do if you find a tortoise:

Help keep the wild in wildlife.

27/05/2026

🐾⚖️ Animal Cruelty is a CRIME in South Africa ⚖️🐾

Animals are protected under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, and cruelty towards animals is punishable by law. 🇿🇦

❌ It is illegal to:
• Abuse or beat an animal
• Starve or neglect an animal
• Deny animals food, water, shelter, or medical care
• Abandon animals
• Keep animals in cruel conditions
• Participate in animal fighting or cruelty of any kind

🐶🐱🐴🦜 The law applies to:
✔️ Dogs and cats
✔️ Farm animals
✔️ Birds and reptiles in captivity
✔️ Wildlife under human care or control

⚠️ If someone is found guilty, penalties can include:
🚨 Fines
🚨 Imprisonment
🚨 Animals being removed from the owner
🚨 Being declared unfit to own animals in future

Animals cannot speak for themselves — but YOU can. ❤️

If you witness cruelty, neglect, abuse, or abandonment, please report it to your local SPCA immediately. Every report could save a life. 🐾🙏

Together we can stand against cruelty and protect those who cannot protect themselves. 🐕🐈

27/05/2026

Life is just so darn hard at the office. Astro taking a much earned nap.

27/05/2026

I STILL NEEDED MY MOM

The early weeks of a puppy’s life play a crucial part in laying a foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog.

This foundation influences future behaviour and how well they go on to cope and interact with the world.

Unfortunately, there are still breeders who allow puppies to leave their moms and littermates at only 6 weeks old, often with no regard for the long-term impact this can have on development.

Many new owners blindly trust that breeders must know best and never question this. But while a puppy may no longer rely on mom for food at this age, they are still deeply dependent on their family unit for learning vital life skills, social skills, building emotional security and resilience.

Between 6 and 8 weeks, puppies are in the process of learning:

• Bite inhibition
• Appropriate play behaviour
• Frustration tolerance
• Impulse control
• Communication and social skills
• Confidence and emotional resilience

These are skills that we as people, can never fully replicate in the same way that a pups family unit can.

While 8 weeks is generally considered the minimum age for puppies to leave, many ethical breeders prefer to keep puppies until 10 to 12 weeks, while also providing positive, age-appropriate socialisation and habituation experiences.

Habituation means gently introducing puppies to the world around them in positive, developmentally appropriate ways — different sounds, surfaces, objects, environments, people, smells, and everyday experiences — so they learn that new things are safe rather than frightening.

However, we don’t live an in ideal world and having to care for or rescue pups much younger than 8 weeks is often unavoidable due to different circumstances.

This post is not aimed at those situations - it’s about education, awareness and encouraging people not to support irresponsible breeding practices that place profit and convenience above the wellbeing and healthy development of puppies.