Welcome to the NSPCA’s Week in Review!
Progress, Protection & the Power of People
From the courtroom to the countryside – and even a Minister’s Office – this week’s stories reflect the NSPCA’s commitment to both justice and compassion. Whether it’s protecting animals from cruelty disguised as care, walking side by side with emerging farmers to build a better future, or standing firm against outdated and inhumane farming practices – our mission remains the same: to prevent cruelty, uplift communities, and demand a better world for animals. Here’s what we’ve been up to:
Conviction Secured in Middelburg Shelter Cruelty Case
A Middelburg woman has been convicted and sentenced after horrific cruelty was uncovered at her illegal animal shelter, “Pet Haven.” Following a detailed investigation by the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit, Carol-Ann Ratcliff was found guilty on three counts under the Animals Protection Act.
On 09 April 2025, the court sentenced her to a suspended 24-month prison term, declared her unfit to care for animals for five years, and ordered the immediate closure of the shelter. All animals have since been removed and transferred to the Bloemfontein SPCA, where they will receive proper care and find loving homes.
The NSPCA thanks the Bloemfontein SPCA for their exceptional support and reminds the public to be vigilant: cruelty can be hidden behind a façade of compassion.
Suspect a shelter is not what it claims to be? Contact your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA immediately.
Adoption enquiries for the rescued animals can be made directly to Bloemfontein SPCA at 051 447 3801.
Wildlife Welfare in Focus: NSPCA Meets with Minister Dion George
On 09 April 2025, the NSPCA had a productive and insightful meeting with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Minister Dion George.
We are grateful to Minister George for his time and the productive dialogue with respect to specific areas of concern regarding wildlife welfare.
We look forward to seeing these commitments reflected in meaningful, tangible action in the near future, to benefit the welfare of South Africa’s wildlife.
Protecting Animals, Empowering Farmers
Between January and March this year, the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit reached 39 towns across South Africa – from Richards Bay to Mahikeng, Olifantshoek to Komani – walking alongside emerging farmers working to build a better life through small-scale farming.
These farmers often care deeply for their animals but lack access to the knowledge and resources needed to meet their basic needs. The NSPCA doesn’t arrive to judge – we come to uplift.
Through workshops, hands-on training, follow-ups, and education, Inspectors show how clean water, simple shelter, and informed care can transform animal welfare. Where necessary, written warnings are issued – and in cases of serious suffering, the law is enforced. But most often, change begins with understanding.
One farmer in Tsolo told our team: “No one ever explained these things to me before. Now I know better, I will do better.”
This is the heart of our mission: protecting animals by empowering people.
Help us continue this vital work.
Photo of the Week:
National Inspector Singh, from the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit, engaging with a local emerging farmer in Salinga, a remote community in the Eastern Cape.
No More Cages. No More Cruelty.
Gestation crates – metal cages used to confine pregnant sows for weeks on end – remain one of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our farming system.
Sows confined in these crates cannot even turn around. They lie on bare concrete, unable to move freely or express natural behaviours. This is not farming. It is incarceration.
In 2013, the NSPCA launched a national campaign to end this practice. The industry promised to phase out gestation crates by 2016 – then 2020. Yet today, many sows still endure weeks of suffering.
Some call for compromise – just four weeks, they say. But the NSPCA refuses to accept cruelty on a schedule. We demand zero days.
We continue to inspect farms, take action against non-compliant producers, and engage retailers. But we cannot do it alone.
Help us end this once and for all. Donate, speak out, and demand change.
Join us in saying: No more excuses. No more cages.
Your Voice on Social Media:
- “I’m so sad that I saw this video, but so happy to see you guys are fighting this terrible cruelty.” – Instagram/@meahni67
- “This is just messed up. Really.” – Facebook/Pariksha Bhagwandin
- “Long overdue. This dreadful ‘practice’ is unacceptable in every sense to anyone with compassion.” – Facebook/Christine Kuch
World Health Day: A Healthier World for All
Monday was World Health Day, and the NSPCA joined the global call for healthier lives by highlighting the deep connection between people, animals, and the environment.
True wellbeing includes the welfare of animals — because preventing cruelty doesn’t just protect them, it helps build a safer, healthier world for us all.
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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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.
