The SPCA Fiji Islands has issued a passionate plea to the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, urging urgent intervention in what it describes as a “moral crisis” sweeping the nation with a dramatic rise in extreme violence against animals.
The animal welfare organisation said it is witnessing barbaric acts of cruelty with disturbing frequency and warned that the consequences go far beyond the physical harm inflicted on animals.
“These barbaric acts are causing deep trauma not only to the animals but also to their owners, witnesses, and the wider Fijian community,” the SPCA said.
“We are gravely concerned that without swift and decisive action, our society will become desensitised to all forms of violence, as we have so sadly seen.”
The SPCA commended the Minister for Agriculture for acknowledging the need to strengthen animal welfare laws but stressed that legal reform alone is not enough.
“We cannot afford to wait for a protracted legal reform process. Decisive action is needed now.”
“The true crisis lies not in minuscule penalties, but in an almost total lack of enforcement. Without proper investigation and charging, even the most severe penalties are meaningless.”
The organisation cited several recent cases of animal abuse that have gone unpunished, saying police inaction is sending the wrong message to the public.
“The public’s confidence in the police’s willingness to protect pets is sinking. We receive frequent reports from pet owners whose complaints are dismissed, reports are delayed, and investigations stall completely.”
“This lack of action sends a clear message that these crimes are not a priority and emboldens those who would commit them.”
The SPCA is calling for an immediate police instruction nationwide to fully investigate and charge animal cruelty offenders under existing laws.
It is also asking for a working group to address internal barriers within the police force that hinder enforcement.
“We plead with you to protect us and our pets. This is not just about animals — it’s about who we are as a society,” the SPCA urged.