Welcome to the NSPCA’s Week in Review!
This week, we spotlighted a range of urgent and emotional animal welfare issues across South Africa. From the heart-warming rescue of Bobby, an emaciated dog that overshadowed a viral influencer, to a call to reevaluate the use of animals in research, we continue to champion the voiceless.
We also shared an alarming article by Daily Maverick, which exposed an evasion of duties by authorities at Madikwe Game Reserve, and honoured the lives of those lost as a result of the horrific and ongoing practice of live animal exports for Ban Live Exports Awareness Day.
Lastly, we took a moment to pay tribute to the role of fathers, both human and animal, in nurturing and protecting life.
Join us as we look back on the week that’s passed.
From Viral Video to Vital Rescue
A TikTok video of a dancing influencer has South Africans talking, and not because of the influencer’s moves. All the focus has been on the emaciated dog sitting quietly in the background. Affectionately nicknamed “Bobby” by concerned citizens, the dog appeared lethargic and malnourished, prompting viewers to contact us for help.
Thanks to swift action by our Special Projects Unit, Bobby was rescued and is finally safe. Sadly, Bobby had resorted to eating plastic to survive, was found covered in ticks and fleas, and was suffering from a serious case of fly strike.
From the moment she was rescued, she’s been showering everyone with affection. Bobby is a gentle soul who is building up her strength so that she can start looking for a new home with a loving family.
The influencer, who later mocked our investigation, is now facing charges under the Animals Protection Act.
If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, please report it. Your call can save a life, just like it did for Bobby.
📲 Your Voice on Social Media:
- “Thank you for noticing her…let’s hope a stiff fine INFLUENCES people to be more compassionate towards animals.” — Facebook/SPCA Amahlathi
- “Thank you for saving Bobby! May she only know love and a full tummy moving forward.” — Instagram/@gail.urdang
- “Please do an updated post when she is in better condition so people can spread it and try to find her a new forever home!”— X/@Crazee19
The Line Between Progress and Ethics
Where should we draw the line between scientific progress and ethical responsibility? Many people are more comfortable with research on mice than on dogs or monkeys, maybe because we see dogs as companions, or believe monkeys have deeper emotional lives than mice.
There’s no denying that animal research has contributed to life-saving medical breakthroughs. But with advancing science comes a growing understanding of animal sentience. We now know that animals experience fear, pain, and joy, just like us.
Fortunately, technology is evolving too. Today, there are many effective alternatives that reduce or even replace the need for animal testing. At the NSPCA, our Animal Ethics Unit is committed to rethinking how animals are used in research, prioritising humane, science-backed solutions.
It’s not a simple issue, but it’s a conversation worth having.
👉 Donate here to support the vital work done by our Animal Ethics Unit.
Photo of the Week
Bobby has a new lease on life!
Starving Elephants: Madikwe’s Grim Reality
The NSPCA has played a pivotal role in exposing the escalating animal welfare crisis at Madikwe Game Reserve, where over 70 elephants have died of starvation since August 2024. In a powerful presentation to Parliament, Douglas Wolhuter, the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit manager, condemned the North West Parks and Tourism Board and provincial authorities for years of neglect and mismanagement.
It has been revealed that Madikwe now holds over 1,600 elephants, a number far exceeding its ecological capacity, which has led to widespread suffering and death. Despite repeated warnings and offers of humane population control methods, authorities have failed to act.
We also documented breaches of the Animals Protection Act and TOPS regulations, including unlogged elephant deaths. Our testimony prompted outrage from MPs and renewed calls for accountability and an independent investigation.
We continue to advocate for ethical, humane solutions to prevent further suffering and ecological collapse at Madikwe Game Reserve.
👉 Click here to read Daily Maverick’s compelling article.
We’ll Say It Again and Again: Animals Are Not Cargo
On 14 June, we commemorated Ban Live Exports International Awareness Day 2025 and reaffirmed our leadership in the fight against the live export of animals from South Africa.
As the only organisation in the country with inspectors both on the ground and onboard live export vessels, the NSPCA has monitored over 20,000 animals in the past year alone. Our findings reveal systemic cruelty: Animals left in stationary trucks for hours, excessive use of electric prodders, and compromised animals being transported despite injuries.
Many arrive at their destinations exhausted, dehydrated, and traumatised. Tragically, the fact that there is a glaring absence of documented incidents does not mean there is no suffering. For these voiceless animals, most of their suffering goes unseen.
👉 For more on this tragic industry, click here.
That’s a wrap for this week’s Week in Review! If these stories resonated with you, check out the full articles and join the conversation on our social media pages.
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Your support helps us continue making a difference for animals – whether by sharing our updates, raising awareness, or donating to our cause. See you next Sunday for another Week in Review!
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
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Animal welfare isn’t always in the spotlight, but it changes lives – for every neglected, abused, or suffering animal we help. Our teams work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, ensuring animals across South Africa are protected.
This work is relentless. The challenges are immense. But with more hands, hearts, and resources, we can do even more.
The equation is simple: the more supporters we have, the greater our reach, the stronger our impact.
Be part of the change. Become an NSPCA Project Partner today. From just R50 per month, you can help ensure that no animal suffers in silence.
