Silke van der Merwe

The City of Windhoek has approved the Dog Control and Management Regulations, a framework designed to elevate responsible dog ownership, sharpen public safety, and bolster animal welfare. These regulations respond to growing concerns about stray and uncontrolled dogs, dog attacks, animal neglect, and gaps in the legal toolkit for dog management. The SPCA supports the direction in principle, recognizing that without teeth in the rules, the status quo — and the suffering it leaves in its wake —...

As we move through 2026, SPCA Windhoek faces an unprecedented challenge. Between January 1 and April 20, 1,435 animals joined our care. That’s an average of 14 new animals every day, about 388 each month. Behind every number is a living being in need of food, medical attention, and a safe place to call home. Our team on the ground is small but mighty: 17 full-time staff members dedicated to these animals. Yet the workload has surged beyond what any shelter should bear. The daily reality adds...

April is Cruelty to Animals Awareness Month for SPCA Namibia, a time to reflect on how we treat animals and what that says about our society. As Mahatma Gandhi reminded us, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” A stark reality from SPCA Windhoek reminds us that 90% of the 4000 plus animals we take in yearly are neglected, abandoned, sick, or injured. This figure isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action. Behind every number...