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Rescue work continues on farms
Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA)
Extracted from the ZNSPCA update
July 20, 2004

The rescue work on farms continues unabated, but there is increased hostility in many instances, which impedes the efforts of ZNSPCA to safeguard imperiled animals.

Political tensions mount ahead of the Parliamentary elections early next year, as poverty bites and unemployment is at an all-time high. There are further reports of human deaths as a result of malnutrition. The current situation is placing enormous pressure on our already depleted natural resources and wildlife as the population struggles to survive, threatening remaining indigenous woodlands which are being used for fuel as we continue to experience an extremely cold winter. Bulawayo recorded the lowest temperature ever some two weeks ago. The situation is sadly further aggravated by unscrupulous hunters from neighbouring countries who have taken advantage of ZImbabwe's tragic predicament.

Recently in Chimanimani, Meryl and Simon were "detained" for 3 ½ hours at Chimanimani Police Station. A Police escourt had been requested to accompany them to Charleswood Farm to treat sick and injured cattle, about which the Police themselves had informed ZNSPCA. The Army were still in charge on the ground and were not allowing the few remaining workers to tend the cattle. The Police Officer-in-Charge had been quite friendly and had given his permission, saying that a Police escourt would not be required, but as they were leaving 3 men (not in uniform) demanded that Simon and Meryl accompany them to a room. It is understood that the men were from Military Intelligence.

Meryl and Simon were subjected to a barrage of questions, including some very personal questions. They were both finally permitted to leave after 3 hours. Due to the obviously very tense situation in Chimanimani the team returned to Harare. As they were leaving a government helicopter landed in the village carrying about 50 soldiers.

A week later the bulk of the army departed and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries took over at Charleswood. Their General Manager in Harare gave ZNSPCA a very pleasant letter granting the ZNSPCA permission to treat "affected" animals at Charleswood. However on arrival the remaining armed personnel said they did not take orders from ZDI and refused entry to the team. Meryl later spoke to a Major at 3 Brigade in Harare who confirmed that ZNSPCA could treat the cattle. Once on the farm the ZNSPCA Inspectors introduced themselves to the new ARDA Manager. A tirade of verbal abuse ensued with the ARDA Manager stating that Meryl lived in Ruwa and "Roy Bennett does as well" (which he does not) and that he was very "suspicious" of Meryl.

Permission was finally given for the treatment of several calves, including the calf that had been speared, as well as one of Roy Bennett’s horses that had sustained an eye injury.

ZDI have since withdrawn and ARDA have fully taken over. Armed Support Unit and some Army personnel are still present on the farm, but ARDA armed guards have granted access.

On a happier note, 'Bokkie' the little dog that helped save the lives of Amos Makaza and his family by raising the alarm when their house was set ablaze is to receive the Lewyt Award for Compassionate & Heroic Animals. 'Bokkie' is now well recovered having had the pin removed from his leg following 6 weeks of confinement.

Visit the ZNSPCA fact sheet

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