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The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has called for the establishment of specialised courts to fast-track wildlife crime cases and improve legal outcomes for captive animals in South Africa.
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During a recent presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Douglas Wolhuter, National Chief Inspector and manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, addressed significant delays and lenient sentencing as key obstacles in tackling animal cruelty and illegal wildlife practices.
As per Cape Argus, Wolhuter described sentences handed down in recent prosecutions: one guilty party received a R4,000 fine or a 12-month prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years; another received a R5,000 fine or 10 months, half suspended.
“The fines are a slap on the wrist,” said Andrew Dirk de Blocq van Scheltinga, MP and committee member, who echoed the NSPCA’s frustration. “We need to relook at the Animal Protection Act.”
Between January 2023 and June 2025, the NSPCA encountered numerous violations, including an opium factory, illegally kept shark fins, unpermitted lion meat, and lion cubs discarded in rubbish dumps. High-schedule drugs were also found stored without veterinary oversight.
Wolhuter said the NSPCA is prepared to assist the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in coordinated audits and urged for more effective two-way communication between departments.
“None of us can afford to allow the slow pace of getting the job at hand done,” Wolhuter told the committee.
Acting committee chairperson Ronalda Nalumango acknowledged the NSPCA’s input, confirming the DFFE would meet with the Department of Agriculture later this month to reflect on the recommendations.
“They pinpointed areas where the legislature needed to improve and refine practices… we recognise the challenges in prosecuting individuals,” Nalumango stated.
Committee members voiced strong support for reform. Dr. Lilian Managa, MP, questioned why existing animal protection legislation isn’t being implemented effectively, urging government to confront the issue head on.
De Blocq van Scheltinga warned of the damage to South Africa’s international reputation regarding tourism and hunting practices, citing both “moral and judiciary reasons” to implement expert task team recommendations.
The NSPCA also expressed significant concern about the ongoing issue of snaring, causing severe animal distress and suffering, further underscoring the need for a more responsive and effective legal system for wildlife crimes.
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