Sentience

15/01/2025

Domestic pet numbers in South Africa are staggering. Mass culling has been scientifically and statistically proven ineffective as a population control measure.

What are your views on the population challenges South Africa is facing, and how would you recommend it must be addressed? https://www.facebook.com/share/1T91NP9DT7/

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Campaigners claim that the animals could be killed in a brutal 'clean-up' operation to make cities more presentable to visiting football fans.

11/01/2025

There is a massive amount of rain being reported across SA.
Please please.. take a few extra minutes once heavy rain passes, and check gardens for nests, babies, injured wildlife or just generally drenched birds that might not be able to fly.
If any injuries are visible, or you suspect something more is wrong than just “wet” - please call us for further help.

Here’s what you can do if you find a wet bird in your garden:

• Place a clean towel over the bird, and secure their wings to their body.

• Pick it up gently, keeping both hands securely around the bird, supporting their legs and feet.

• Mind your fingers in the case of raptors (their talons are worse than the bite)!

• Take the bird inside, and place it in a prepared box / basket.
Place a towel or blanket (or paper towel) under the feet to stop them slipping around, with loads of airholes poked through to allow air in.

• Use a hair dryer on LOW warmth to dry the bird.

🆅🅴🆁🆈 🅸🅼🅿🅾🆁🆃🅰🅽🆃
Keep one hand between the bird and the hairdryer so you can feel the heat.
Make sure you do not burn or overheat the bird.

• Ensure there is not a massive build-up of heat in the box while drying.
As soon as their feathers are fluffed and the bird is warm, leave it to cool down to room temperature.
Ensure it is in a stress free environment - away from people, pets or noise.

It would be prudent to leave the bird in the box undisturbed for the eve IF it is found during the evening.

Release it where you found it, as early in the morn as possible (they start chirping from 4 am).

In the case of an owl however: Release it as soon as its dry and the storm has passed so it can hunt.

Make sure dogs or cats cannot get to your rescue while they are in the box getting their bearings before taking off.

Do NOT throw the bird up into the air .. allow it to take off by itself.

Do NOT try and give fluid or food.
Just release at the earliest possible time which will best suit the bird.
If you do have to keep it in for more than 6 hours.. please call us for guidance and to reassess food and fluid guidelines.

For more advice or if you are unsure of anything :

Main clinic
Judy : 073 112 1131

Pretoria
Leanne: 082 852 2510

East Rand:
Lauren
082 873 8235
Marise
061 441 4825

West Rand:
Georgina:
082 559 7105

North:
Janice:
073 296 1504

09/01/2025

Species specific suitable nutrition is vital to ensure the health and welfare of our animals. Let us remain focused on the health and welfare of animals and not attempt to redesign or manipulate nature.

The association has defended its continuing caution about the dietary approach after a prominent advocate made a dig at their

09/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/15SoHaaRXW/

07/01/2025

Exciting news!!! What a great initiative 📸🩷

06/01/2025

We hope you will enjoy this heartwarming rescue of a cow during flooding.
Not all heroes wear capes!

06/01/2025

Doctors at Pretoria's Faculty of Veterinary Science's Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital made it their mission to save an orphaned white rhino calf's life.

02/01/2025

Treat yourself to this very informative and engaging interview on pet nutrition. Scientific evidence on the benefits of combining raw, dry and table scraps for your dogs between Dr Karen and Dr Anna.

02/01/2025

I captured this photo of a seal, but it's not just a picture - it's a story. As I look into his eyes, I see pain and sadness. I wonder what's behind that gaze? Is he injured, or has he lost a loved one? Has he been entangled in pollution, or is he struggling to find food?

Whatever the reason, this seal's eyes have stayed with me. It's a poignant reminder of the impact humans have on our marine life. We often forget that these incredible creatures are not just subjects for our photos, but living beings that feel, suffer, and need our protection.

Let's take a moment to appreciate these amazing animals and the challenges they face. Let's work together to reduce our impact on the ocean and its inhabitants.

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02/01/2025

This awesome workshop on animal communication and healing, is hosted by Vegan Streetfood ZA at TEARS Animal Rescue on 11-12 January 2025.

Here is the Link for booking your spot: 👇🏼 https://www.quicket.co.za/events/296165-animal-healing-communication-workshop/

01/01/2025

What would life be without heroes to give us hope.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DoBSE9sNE/

31/12/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Nnhd7GmXh/

Saying goodbye to Deben was very hard, we had so many memories there, many good ones and unfortunately quite a few bad ones.

One thing i learned is that to many people are not nice. I like to see the best in everyone, give to many chances and want to believe everyone is inherently good.
This is not true, people have very mean sides and often when someone comes with hands outstretched, professing to love animals, offering to help, they actually have ulterior motives.

I had to open my eyes to the reality of rescue politics, jealousy and people lying about the most ridiculous things to make themselves look good. Over the years I have learned to just keep quiet and carry on, actions speak louder than words.

Since we started KH I got threatened with r**e, having our house burned down and Crystal and I were held at the police station many hours being told to pay for a horse or all our animals could be taken away... because they could.

To often we got surrounded by horse or donkey owners screaming at us about taking their animals and we had to explain we were there to help, sometimes getting a helper to come help us out with the language barrier or begging the police to assist us.

Sometimes we question why things happen and the day the Kalahari Heart board got taken down i broke down in tears, I could not imagine what was going to happen to all the cart donkeys and the animals who came to us for care.
I got calls of how kids were sworn at by people who have no knowledge of caring for these amazing animals or working with the rural community.
People put jacks and stallions together with mares and jennies in season, a nursing foal in the midst of them all, no fencing between them, all just thrown together, but this was accepted, the community just wanted them off the streets.

I got told its not my problem, i left but it took me years to know these donkeys,
I knew many from birth, to giving birth themselves , even helping 1 or 2 foal.
I was there when a newborn got it’s jaw broken by a jack and holding the owner as he cried.
We treated wounds, stab wounds , burn wounds and battle scars. I knew who owners were and their families.
I cared about the jenny who got hit by a taxi and her foal needed a home,
I cared about the 3 month old jack that was bought and when he got bigger and became a nuisance, he got given away.
I care about the parvo puppies that will be left to die because nobody is going to take them to the vet and pay vet bills, talk is cheap until it comes to a vet bill that keeps climbing.

I love where i am now and i love that I don’t have people at my gate at midnight, I don’t have to walk to the other end of town to remove a tin off a hoof and i am happy that i don’t have to hear stories that i am stealing a horse even though i have an IB number and the police captain escorted us home in the dark.

I do not for 1 minute regret that i left that town but i am sad that i had to say goodbye to a few good friends and to some amazing vets and i am heartbroken that the donkeys are now left in the hands of immoral people who know nothing about these precious animals.

We still have a vet bill that we are responsible for and the promises to pay are of cause just that, promises, The stories told about us are laughable and i take it coming from the people who tried to take Kalahari Heart ( Seriously anyone who thinks rescue is a money making venture, wake up) it makes you poor in pocket but if you want riches in other ways like your heart and soul then yes i can see why they wanted KH.

I made the most amazing friends in that little dirt road town and i walked barefoot many miles over the years i was there but what i take with me is the memory of all the animals that left hoofprints in the yard and i cherish the hours spent chatting to those close to my heart.
I miss having my son and daughter in law close by and the most beautiful sounds of donkeys braying.

Now we start a new journey, 2025 will bring new challenges and my other babies are almost home, I am close to my daughter and her little family and my husband and i spend more time together.
Sometimes we need to realise that things definately do need to change, not just for our health but for our souls as well.

I am happy and i am blessed.
I pray for all the animals like those in Deben, left to graze on the side of the road, left without food, the animals who get neglected and abused.
I hope 1 day that animal laws will not just be words on paper that actually dont mean much but rules and regulations that make South Africa a place where animals can be safe.

Have a blessed and safe New Year everyone.

31/12/2024

🐾 Join the Team as an Inspector at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a real difference? The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspectorate Department is looking for a dedicated and qualified Inspector to join our team in Cape Town.

If you have the skills, training, and drive to protect animals and uphold their welfare, this opportunity could be perfect for you!

📋 Key Responsibilities:

🔍Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with animal protection legislation.
⛑️ Rescuing animals in distress and providing care when needed.
🚑 Collecting animals and assisting with rehoming efforts.
✍️Supporting the department in various tasks as required.

✅ Essential Requirements:

📌Education: Grade 12 (Matric/Std 10).
📌Qualifications: NSPCA Inspector qualification.
📌Driver’s License: Valid South African Code EB (08).
📌Language Skills: Ability to communicate and write in English and Afrikaans and/or Xhosa.
📌Experience: Prior experience working with animals and a willingness to handle and care for all species.

👉 View the full job spec here: https://pulse.ly/ljwrycwq8d

📩 How to Apply:
Submit your CV, cover letter, and the names and contact details of at least 3 recent referees to 📧[email protected] by the 3rd of January 2025.

🌍 About Us:
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the oldest animal welfare organisation in South Africa, dedicated to preventing cruelty and promoting the humane treatment of all animals. Join our passionate team and help us make a meaningful impact.

30/12/2024

📢 Something Big Is Coming!
We’re proud to introduce Sentience Magazine, launching March 6, 2025! 🐾

What you’ll find:
✅ Inspiring animal welfare stories.
✅ Actionable advocacy tips.
✅ Updates on laws impacting animals.
✅ Resources for creating change.

👉 Follow us and share with others in the animal welfare space.
💌 Sign up now and be the first to access the launch issue! https://subscribepage.io/E9jcAG

29/12/2024

Sterilisation saves lives 🐾
Get your pets sterilised.
2025 is the year to do better!

🐾 A Day in the Life of an SPCA Inspector 🐾

Sitting in the office on a quiet Sunday morning, I glance over the intake records for December, and my heart sinks. Over 300 animals have been taken into our care this month alone.

These numbers are staggering and heart-wrenching. December is always a difficult time for animals and those of us fighting for their welfare. As the festive season brings joy to many, it also reveals the harsh reality for so many animals — abandoned, neglected, or "disposed of" by people who choose not to care for them any longer.

Each one of those 300+ animals represents a story:

▪︎ A puppy that has become a burden.
▪︎ A senior dog surrendered because "it's too old."
▪︎ A dog that is not "needed" anymore.
▪︎ A litter of puppies or kittens that is no longer wanted.
▪︎ Cats abandoned because "we’re going on holiday."

While we work tirelessly to provide safety and care, the sheer volume breaks our spirits. These animals are not "things" to be discarded. They are sentient beings who deserve love, commitment, and respect.

💔 What can you do?

🐾 Choose adoption, not abandonment.
🐾 Spay or neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters (Contact us for prices).
🐾 Support organizations like the SPCA to help us continue our work.

To those who stand with us and for the animals — we see you, and we are endlessly grateful. Together, we can be their voice, their hope, and their chance at a better life.

🌟 Let’s make 2025 a year of compassion and change.

24/12/2024

Happy Christmas 🎁🎄