CRUEL INTENTIONS

Animal welfare organisations are calling on parents and caregivers to educate their children about animal cruelty as children are targeting birds and vulnerable animals with pellet guns, ketties and stones.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said they receive a disturbing number of reports of child cruelty to animals and are currently involved in a study, the objectives of which would be to inform a program for early intervention.

In a statement, the SPCA says: “Shooting birds with pellet guns, slingshots (or ketties), or stones can result in severe injuries, broken wings, internal bleeding, eye trauma, or slow, painful deaths. Many of the birds targeted are indigenous species that play vital roles in the ecosystem. 

“The emotional and physical suffering inflicted by these acts is unacceptable and entirely preventable. It starts with teaching respect for life, all life. 

“Children learn by example, so parents, teachers, and caregivers must model compassion and empathy for animals.

“Schools can play a pivotal role by integrating animal welfare into their curricula or inviting the SPCA to present educational talks.

“Our Education Unit regularly visits schools to talk about responsible pet care and kindness toward all living creatures, and we encourage communities to request these sessions.”

Allan Perrins from the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) said that in their experience most animals shot with a pellet gun or catapult are not killed instantly but most suffer severe injuries such as broken bones leaving them incapacitated and vulnerable to further abuse by their tormentors.

He tells the Daily Voice: “Any animal shot with a pellet gun or catapult is likely to suffer prolonged pain before dying.

“Any animal that survives being shot is left with debilitating injuries frequently resulting in them dying slow and painful deaths or being admitted to rehabilitation centres or sanctuaries. Most wild animal victims never make it back to the wild which is a further tragedy.   

“Most youngsters would have been gifted a pellet gun and pellets by an adult and then left to their own devices unsupervised. This smacks of a lack of good parental judgment, so like with many other anti-social behaviours, the solution starts at home.

“In our opinion pellet guns are weapons not toys and in the wrong hands cause untold harm and suffering. They should be banned or ownership subject to a 'needs test” and licensing. Until this happens the senseless suffering will continue.”

The Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 applies to all individuals, regardless of age and sanctions include fines, imprisonment, institutionalisation, or diversion.

Anyone with information about cruelty to animals can contact the SPCA on 021 700 4158/9.