The past few weeks have been tough. The crisis at Daybreak chickens has really taken its toll on our staff. It was decided that they needed some time out, so we took Tuesday off to attend a wellness workshop. The downtime made the world of difference, allowing staff to air their feelings about what they’ve been going through.
This week, we’ve taken a lighter approach to our stories by focussing on the wins. We celebrate the rescue of “Bruce the Cookie Monster” and have a chuckle at an unexpected guest at one of our training sessions.
Join us for the latest Week in Review!
Staff Enjoy Much-Needed Downtime
Mental and emotional health is incredibly important in our line of work. Our Inspectors are faced daily with unimaginable horrors. Not only do they need to deal with extreme cases of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect, they are also often subjected to the wrath of those responsible.
It’s a tough job, but we persevere for the animals. Nontheless, it is critical that our staff take time to rest and recuperate from the neverending responsibilty of caring for animals across the country.
Our staff spent Tuesday attending a wellness workshop, where everyone was given a chance to chat about what they experience every day. They were provided with essential tools that they can use to deal with the constant onslaught of trauma and suffering.
Although it was just a day, the team felt energised and ready to face another day at the NSPCA.
The “Cookie Monster” Enjoys a Life of Luxury
It was a case that shocked the country – severely emaciated horses forced to eat soil and their own faeces to survive, all under the “care” of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). In 2018, the NSPCA responded to a complaint of cruelty and neglect of military horses at a base in Potchefstroom.
Last week, the NSPCA was pleased to announce that, after seven years, the SANDF will finally face prosecution.
We thought it appropriate to celebrate this victory against animal cruelty by highlighting the heart-warming story of one of the horses rescued from these horrific conditions.
Bruce “The Cookie Monster” Henning is now living his best life – free from saddles, bits, and crops and spoiled with loads of love, carrots, and apples.
It is stories like these that make everything we face worthwhile. Go well, Bruce!
📲 Your Voice on Social Media:
- “My friend took on “Brave”. A lovely arabian mare. She too was very non trusting. But now she is the prettiest lady. Can’t believe it has been 7 years!” — Facebook/Hendrina du Toit
- “This is what every horse deserves!” — Instagram/@belindacharlton007
- “Thank you for the lovely feedback and to Anneri for her patience and care.” — Facebook/Karen Trendler
An Unexpected Guest Thrills Delegates at a Training Course
Two weeks ago, 11 eager SPCA volunteers gathered in Bloemfontein for a training session, unaware they’d have a surprise guest slithering in! A puff adder, clearly keen on animal welfare, made not one, not two, but three attempts to join the session.
Thankfully, the cool-headed Kroonstad SPCA ladies gently relocated the reptilian recruit. Because in our world, whether you’re on a committee or covered in scales, there’s always room for kindness and compassion.
Photo of the Week
NSPCA staff enjoy a well-deserved wellness workshop
That’s it 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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