The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) had a fruitful meeting with the Honourable Minister of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), Ms Barbara Creecy, and the Deputy Director General of DEFF, Mr Shonisani Munzhedz, to discuss concerns relating to wildlife in South Africa.
The Minister highlighted the vital role that the NSPCA plays within the wildlife industry and confirmed the department’s commitment to have the NSPCA represented on the High Level Panel – this panel acts as an advisory panel to the minister and is comprised of mainly industry role players.
It was confirmed that a memorandum of understanding between DEFF and the NSPCA will be drafted in an effort to ensure better communications, as well as to ensure improved and effective policing of the Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962, in relation to other National Legislation and provincial ordinances that are enforced by other entities.
The NSPCA also raised the animal welfare and community concerns relating to the Henk Joubert Nature Reserve in Delareyville – a solution was found and DEFF committed to implementing immediate measures to uplift the park, the welfare of the park and the community holistically.
The amendments made to the Animals Improvement Act No 62 of 1998 were discussed at length, and these consultations will continue due to the negative impact that the amendments will have on animal welfare.
We are confident that our relationship with the Minister and DEFF will continue to be fruitful and that our discussions will be honoured.
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