The first SPCA Centre to be officially registered as a Welfare Organisation in Rhodesia was Bulawayo in 1967, followed by Kwekwe, Salisbury and Masvingo in the same year, Mutare in 1968 and Gweru in 1969.
In 2000, the National Executive Council, which represents all SPCA centers, appointed a National Co-ordinator, Chief Inspector Meryl Harrison to provide liaison between the centers, advise members on correct policy and procedure and most importantly, to provide training to Inspectors for appointment by the Minister of Tourism and the Environment, empowered to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the primary objective of the Society.
Four trainees who recently completed their training and passed the Inspector's examination with excellent results are awaiting accreditation by the Minister.
As the only organisation authorised to rescue the thousands of animals abandoned or affected by ongoing land reforms,[1] the brave and determined Inspectors of ZNSPCA have been a credit to the Society and have received international commendations and awards for their bravery.
In recent years, a number of high-profile journalists such as Zimbabwean Catherine Buckle[5] and South African Jani Allan have published columns on animal cruelty in Zimbabwe.