The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has opposed a new push by the Amaphisi Hunters’ Association (AHA) to legalise dog hunting and commercial greyhound racing in South Africa.
The animal welfare body said it was alarmed by a memorandum submitted to the Presidency by the AHA, calling for hunting with dogs on public land and the revival of the long-banned racing industry.
‘Cruel and exploitative’
The NSPCA argues that such moves would reintroduce practices already deemed cruel and exploitative by courts, government reviews, and policy positions – including a 2014 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stance that firmly rejected the idea.
According to the NSPCA, past investigations have documented widespread abuse in both greyhound racing and hunting with dogs.
The organisation warned that the AHA’s proposal to control breeding, licensing, and access to state land would “institutionalise harm” for profit.
“Tradition and job creation cannot justify the deliberate commodification and exploitation of animals,” said the NSPCA’s Grace de Lange.
Animal welfare
While the AHA frames the proposal as a cultural and economic opportunity, the NSPCA insists the cost to animal welfare is too high.
It is calling for an urgent rejection of the memorandum and has invited dialogue on more humane alternatives.
Dog racing remains illegal in South Africa, with prohibitions backed by years of legal precedent and public policy.
Meanwhile, the Welsh government intends to ban greyhound racing between 2027 and 2030, according to newly released plans.
Ministers have published a draft law which would make it an offence to be an operator of a track for the sport.
Individuals would also be banned from organising the sport.
Advocates of a ban say the sport is dangerous and causes injury to the dogs involved.
