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ESSENTIAL DESTINATIONS

MONTH: January/February 2007

Justice for Animals ires South African National SPCA over Zulu bullfight

 

KLOOF, KwaZulu-Natal--Justice for Animals founder Steve Smiths sought to support the National SPCA of South Africa in a December 4, 2006 e-mail to news media, protesting against the annual mob killing of a bull at the First Fruits Festival, a traditional Zulu celebration.

National SPCA executive director Marcelle Meredith's December 5 response took Smits and much of his lengthy cc. list much by surprise.

Wrote Smiths, "We are outraged that the National SPCA, which has been mandated by an act of parliament to uphold the animal protection laws of the land, is powerless to act against this atrocity simply because the authorities refuse to respond to their pleas for support and assistance. We therefore call upon both the provincial and national government to order the South African Police Services and the National Defense Force to provide the necessary support to enable the NSPCA to intervene and save this bull from the torture to which he will be subjected. The Zulu monarchy and the Zulu people do not exist in a political, social or legal vacuum and they are not entitled to special treatment just because they claim cultural and traditional immunity."

Meredith objected first of all that Smits' e-mail "appears to be based on our media statement which, by nature of press releases, contains condensed information," as if anyone outside the NSPCA could describe the NSPCA response based on anything other than the public record.

Meredith then stated that, "The NSPCA is offended that you had the temerity in this communication to dictate to us how you feel we should be doing our job. If you believe that a Court interdict was or is the route to take, we ask you the same question: why have you or the organization you represent not done this?"

Wrote back Smits, "Justice for Animals has approached our legal counsel for guidance on the practicality of applying for an interdict to prevent the killing of this bull."