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Rescue work and appeal for support
Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA)
October 05, 2006

"Red letter day for the Zimbabwe National SPCA (ZNSPCA) – or should that be blue letter day?" was the message received by the National Council of SPCAs in South Africa from Bernice Robertson-Dyer who is the Chairman of the SPCA movement in Zimbabwe.

The news was that a joint exercise has taken place with experienced herpetologist Ben Vermeulen and in collaboration with the National Parks and government wildlife veterinarian.

"The population of snakes, tortoises and lizards which were being kept for show at Harare’s SNAKE WORLD were confiscated today. Most of the animals were in a starved condition including the so-called "food animals" which were being fed live to the snakes. The chameleons that were removed were in a very poor condition. One female python was in such poor condition that she was euthanased. Once all the animals have been checked and treated for internal and external parasites, they will be released back into the wild."

The Zimbabwe National SPCA advises that Mr Graham Bristow will be charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty but that more charges may be laid as there remained further animals including pythons, a rock monitor and crocodiles still to be removed from SNAKE WORLD.

"The ZNSPCA has made application to the Director General for the immediate revocation of Mr Bristow’s permit to keep wildlife. We will also be making application for a banning order."

The removal of the animals was captured on video and there is also footage with commentary from Ben Vermeulen as he examines each individual animal confiscated.

All involved in this rescue operation are commended and thanked. It serves to illustrate what issues are being dealt with and handled efficiently by the SPCA movement in Zimbabwe.

Marcelle Meredith, Executive Director of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) in South Africa said: - "The Zimbabwe SPCA movement is operational and effective, carrying out worthy welfare work often in the most difficult circumstances. They deserve our whole-hearted support and we call upon South Africa to do exactly that. Please consider a donation to the SPCA in Zimbabwe. You can do it through us. Zimbabwe is our neighbour. What happens there can impact on our own country. Zimbabwe’s beloved animals deserve protection. With your help, it can be done."

Donations can be made through the NSPCA, either by cheque to PO Box 1320, Alberton 1450 (payable to the NSPCA but marked ZIMHELP on the envelope or on an attached note. Direct deposits can be made into the account below but please fax the deposit slip to 011-907-4013 with the reference ZIMHELP so that the money can be allocated accordingly.

• ACCOUNT NAME – NSPCA
• BANK – STANDARD
• BRANCH – SOUTHDALE
• ACCOUNT NUMBER – 201032015
• CODE – 6405
• REFERENCE – ZIMHELP

Enquiries: - 011-907-3590 or nspca@nspca.co.za

Visit the ZNSPCA fact sheet

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