“Please Do Not Kill or Hurt It”: NSPCA Urges Mzansi Not To Kill Snakes, Dividing SA

• NSPCA calls on South Africans to leave snakes alone and gives safer ways to deal with encounters
• NSPCA outlines its wider work which includes all animals across South Africa
• Public reaction is split, with some backing education while others say snakes should be killed on sight

The National Council of SPCA's NSPCA has appealed to South Africans to stop killing or harming snakes, saying it has received numerous complaints of people attacking them and urging safer alternatives instead.

In a Facebook post on 25 June 2026, the organisation said it understands that many people are afraid of snakes, but stressed that harm is unacceptable. It stated:

“Before you reach for the spade, here is why not to kill snakes...Please do not kill or hurt it....If you see a snake, keep your distance and stay calm. Contact your local SPCA for guidance on a trusted snake handler and accredited facility.”

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The NSPCA also noted that most snakes are harmless and avoid humans, they help control pests like rats and mice, and they play an important role in biodiversity. It further warned that harming or killing snakes is cruelty and can lead to prosecution.

Briefly News reached out to snake remover and expert, Nick Evans, to get clarity on how common it is for people to kill snakes when they encounter them. He said:

"People have always been killing snakes. It's extremely common. Myself and many other snake removers and companies have been trying to educate people on why they shouldn't kill snakes. It's not only because we like snakes, but it's also to protect people, because sometimes people get bitten while trying to kill snakes. Snakes are not evil and not all of them are harmful and they are a part of the food chain. They control rat numbers and that's why we ask people not to kill them.

He also noted how horribly people kill the snakes:

"People kill them in very cruel ways like pouring boiling water on them. They do all sorts of horrible things. I know people are scared but they can call snake removers, for their own safety as well."

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NSPCA calls on SA to protect animals and stop cruelty

NSPCA says its main goal is to protect all animals in South Africa and make sure their legal rights are respected. They focus on stopping cruelty and improving animal welfare through inspections, education, and community work.

What they actually do:

Farm animals: They check farms and other facilities to make sure animals are treated properly and not abused.

Wild animals: They inspect places that keep wildlife, both local and exotic, to ensure animals are kept safely and humanely.

Training people up: They train staff and workers so they know how to handle animals correctly and prevent cruelty.

Animals used in labs and schools: They oversee how animals used for research or teaching are treated, making sure rules are followed.

Donkeys and working animals: They focus on improving conditions for working donkeys and mules in communities.

Community outreach: They teach people about responsible pet ownership and how to care for animals properly.

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Why snakes might be making your house their home

Briefly News reached out to the NSPCA for insight into what attracts snakes to homes and how people can reduce the chances of encounters.

“Snakes are drawn to homes mainly because of food and shelter, not because they're targeting people. Rodents are the biggest draw, while clutter such as woodpiles, rubble, long grass and garden refuse provides places for snakes to hide and hunt. Water sources and warm, sheltered areas can also attract them.”

The expert explained that prevention is usually more effective than relying on chemical solutions.

“To reduce the likelihood of snakes settling near a home, homeowners should keep grass short, clear clutter, secure food sources that attract rodents, seal possible entry points, and trim vegetation around the house. Products marketed as snake repellents have little reliable evidence behind them, making environmental management the more effective approach.”

View the Facebook post below:

Not everyone agreed

South Africans were divided with some agreeing with the NSPCA while others took a different stance. This is what Mzansi had to say on their page:

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Vanessa Richards said:

"Nope a snake is a snake. They're gone."

Nadine Govender commented:

"I learnt a lot about snakes by following snake pages and watching snakes in the city, you don't have to like snakes but there's no need to kill them. Education is key and I've learnt on how to identify harmless snakes."

Anthony Rochford suggested:

"Maybe also detail the legal implications, The Southern African Python (shown) is a protected species and it is illegal to kill them."

Wilmé Benson said:

"Lost too many animals due to snakes. If it's poisonous, it dies. Finish and klaar."

Meagan Tanner noted:

"Wonderful misunderstood and villianized animals. The only people who kill snakes are either ignorant or dumb, imo."

More Briefly News on snakes

• A KwaZulu-Natal snake handler safely removed a massive black mamba hiding inside a dark kitchen drawer, astonishing viewers after the footage went viral.
• An American woman in Zimbabwe discovered her new home had effectively become a snake habitat after finding both a black mamba and a large python living on the property.
• A Vietnamese man who tried to attack a snake ended up being overpowered in the incident, with the situation drawing widespread attention online.

Source: Briefly News