It’s been a week of legal battles, heartbreaking fieldwork, and unwavering resolve. The NSPCA has notched up two landmark victories: a court ruling compelling Daybreak Foods to act humanely after systemic cruelty, and the long-overdue prosecution of the SANDF for starving military horses.
We also introduce you to Senior Inspector Sparky Moseki, share why Inspector Madelyn urgently needs your help, and spotlight how we’re reshaping the ethics of animal use in laboratories. Here’s everything you may have missed, all in one place:
NSPCA Court Win Ruffles Daybreak’s Feathers
In a hard-fought victory for animal welfare, the High Court in Johannesburg has made final the urgent interim order obtained by the NSPCA against Daybreak Foods. Despite opposition from both Daybreak and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the ruling confirms the NSPCA’s authority to act when animals suffer.
The Court found that Daybreak’s management had collapsed and the welfare of thousands of birds was compromised. The final order compels Daybreak to halt inhumane culling, feed all birds adequately, suspend breeding of chicks until nutrition is assured, submit a corrective action plan, allow NSPCA access to all sites — and pay legal costs, jointly with the PIC.
Our teams spent 12 days on the ground, witnessing horrors no animal should endure. This outcome is a major legal milestone, but it has come at great cost to the NSPCA.
👉 Read the full article here and support our work if you can.
SANDF to Be Prosecuted for Starved Horses
After seven years of relentless struffle, the NSPCA welcomes a significant decision: the North West Director of Public Prosecutions will proceed with charges against the SANDF and SAASIC Unit for animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act.
What began in 2018 with an inspection at the Potchefstroom base uncovered harrowing scenes:
- Horses emaciated, eating soil and faeces out of desperation.
- 25 horses were humanely euthanised, with 69 later rescued, some finding loving homes after NSPCA intervention.
Despite a formal welfare agreement between the SANDF and the NSPCA, justice was repeatedly delayed:
- Case dockets went missing.
- Accused individuals refused to cooperate.
- The matter remained stagnant for years, despite assurances that it had been handed to court.
This prosecution marks a critical moment, not just for the horses who suffered, but for the principle that no institution is above the law.
📲 Your Voice on Social Media:
- “7 years later authorized prosecution. Thanks to SPCA EFFORTS for fighting this battle. It’s a disgrace for all South Africans that the headline is not: ‘Guilty verdict with actual sentencing of all responsible persons’ after 7 years.” — Facebook/Chantal Richardson
- “Thank you for never giving up! I hope there are serious consequences for those who are responsible for this cruelty.” — Facebook/Marianne Fourie
- “My Apache was one of those horses and he is just the cutest little boy. So grateful for you guys rescuing him.” — Facebook/Karien van Wyk
‘It’s a calling… someone has to do it’ – NSPCA inspector on why she endures the danger and the heartbreak
Being an NSPCA inspector is no ordinary job. It’s a calling, often demanding, sometimes dangerous, and always heartbreaking. Sparky Moseki, senior inspector in the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit, faces daily challenges few could imagine. From rescuing starved dogs to investigating illegal wildlife trafficking and confronting cruelty at live export facilities.
“I wake up every morning to make sure no animal suffers in silence,” she says. Her work means navigating hostile confrontations, long waits for police escorts, and reliving horrific cruelty captured on social media. Yet, Sparky persists, driven by a deep compassion and a mission bigger than herself.
Beyond the field, her passion inspires her children, who share her commitment to animal welfare. For Sparky, it’s never just a job, it’s a lifelong fight against cruelty, one animal at a time.
👉 Read the full story from Daily Maverick here.
Photo of the Week
Help Inspector Madelyn Get Back on the Road After Devastating Crash
After a long, traumatic day assisting thousands of starving chickens on a Delmas farm, Inspector Madelyn’s exhausted journey home took a sudden, frightening turn. Her bakkie was struck and flipped on a dark road. Luckily, she escaped unharmed, but the vehicle was completely written off.
Madelyn is part of the NSPCA’s Society Liaison Unit, travelling across South Africa to support SPCAs and respond to urgent cruelty cases in remote areas. Without her bakkie, her vital work is severely limited.
We urgently need to raise R228,000 to get Madelyn back on the road and continue protecting animals in need. Every rand counts. If just a fraction of our community gives R1, we can reach this goal quickly.
Please consider donating via EFT or online to help restore this lifeline for countless animals.
🐀 Spotlight on Science: Protecting Animals in Research
In 2024, our Animal Ethics Unit reviewed 2,615 research protocols, ensuring that animal welfare remains top priority in labs across South Africa.
Animals feel, they suffer, and they deserve compassion. Our Unit’s work is critical in shaping ethical science that balances innovation with compassion.
Curious to learn more about how the NSPCA safeguards animals across South Africa? Dive deeper into our 2024 Annual Report and discover the full story behind these efforts.
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!
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Will You Be the One Who Takes Action?
Most people will scroll past this. But will you be the one who stands up for animals?
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.
