A Lifeline for Animals

No stranger to Namibia, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a wellestablished charitable organisation dedicated to protecting animals and preventing cruelty. Guided by compassion and respect for all living creatures, the SPCA works to improve animal welfare throughout Namibia through a wide range of programmes, services and partnerships.

At the heart of their work is the charity’s certified animal welfare inspectors, who operate in accordance with the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. They respond to cases of cruelty and neglect on a near-daily basis, ensuring that animals in need receive immediate protection and care.

The Windhoek branch is proudly home to the largest animal shelter in Namibia. On average, the SPCA cares for around 260 animals every day, and during busier times this number can rise to more than 400. As the official city dog impound for the City of Windhoek, the shelter provides a safe and caring space for many homeless and abandoned animals. Although the focus is mainly on domestic animals and pets, the SPCA receives frequent calls to assist with other species as well. In these cases, they work closely with a variety of animal welfare and wildlife organisations to ensure that every animal receives the best possible treatment, rehabilitation and, when appropriate, the chance to return to its natural environment.

The SPCA’s network of branches across the country allows them to extend this important work into local communities. Each branch offers programmes and support tailored to the needs of animals in its area, helping to create a broader culture of care and responsibility.

In addition to providing shelter, their facilities serve as adoption centres where healthy and happy animals are matched with families who can offer them a loving home. In places where there are no permanent shelters, these branches run dedicated foster programmes to ensure that animals are still cared for and given the chance to be adopted.

Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring that the work continues. Their commitment and energy make it possible to run these diverse programmes, care for the animals and strengthen the connection with communities.

Education is integral to the SPCA’s mission. The Humane Education Programme, aimed at nurturing empathy, compassion and understanding, actively works to prevent cruelty before it happens. “We believe that by educating people, especially children, we can build a society where kindness towards animals is part of everyday life.”

As an organisation, the SPCA is committed to protecting animals as sentient beings, whether they are pets, livestock or wildlife. Their work primarily focuses on animal protection, rescue, rehabilitation and adoption. The SPCA also addresses issues affecting working animals, the use of wild animals in circuses, the live export of livestock by sea, the protection of Cape fur seals and the prevention of dog slaughter for human consumption.

Through all these efforts, they strive to build a more compassionate Namibia where every animal is treated with respect and care.