Sterilisation, responsible ownership can eliminate animal suffering, says SPCA

CAPE TOWN - The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is hoping to end the relentless cycle of unwanted and unloved animals, with continuous sterilisation drives in several communities.

The organisation says The State of Pet Homelessness Report reveals that millions of pets are homeless in South Africa, with adoption rates from shelters at a dismal 9% for dogs and 19% for cats.

As a non-selective open-admissions facility, the SPCA is the only refuge for unwanted animals.

In April this year, the SPCA projected the admission of some 20,350 unwanted and unloved animals.

But, the organisation's Belinda Abraham says the reality has worsened.

"A staggering 23,621 unwanted and unloved animals came into our care during the 2024 financial year. As a non-selective open-admissions facility, we never turn any animal away....not from the public who can no longer care for their pets or from other welfare organisations."

Abraham says they see an average of 65 victims of indiscriminate backyard breeding and irresponsible ownership every day.

“With adoption rates estimated to be as low as 9% and rampant backyard breeding continuing, the cycle of suffering also just continues and every unwanted animal suffers. 

“This is not just the SPCA’s fight, it requires collective action through sterilisation, responsible ownership and unified efforts of the sector we can end animal suffering.”