There are six countries bordering South Africa. In an attempt to alleviate these problems liaison meetings have been held with the various Government Departments and border officials with the objective of upgrading and developing facilities at the border posts. These facilities would allow animals entering or leaving the country the opportunity to be fed, watered and rested. Ships stop en route to their destination, however these ship loads are infrequent. While the ships are in South African waters they are checked by SPCA inspectors to ensure that conditions are acceptable and, if not, the appropriate steps are taken.
Fire disasters are particularly prevalent usually caused by severe drought conditions.
They can be extensive covering hundreds of hectares and causing severe suffering and death to most animals in the area. Though the SPCAs which are nearest to the disaster areas assist greatly, it is the Unit which has the infrastructure and the emergency plans to initiate the rescue procedures, including veterinary treatment, pharmaceutical materials, provision of water and food, transportation, manpower and other resources. An example of a rescue operation undertaken by the Unit was the fire in Ugie in the Eastern Cape. Though many animals died, hundreds of others which could be saved were given veterinary treatment. Those which were beyond treatment were humanely destroyed.