When rescues happen, it’s often the act itself that takes the spotlight. Less often are we privy to the perspective of the rescuers. Recently, Field Officer Solly of the Tshwane SPCA let people in on a recent case for a kitten litter dubbed ‘A Cry That Touched My Heart’.
Tshwane, South Africa (17 April 2025) — Rescue stories are some of the most powerful. They are moments when human kindness, bravery and quick thinking intervene to make a difference, big or small. Sometimes, they save lives. Other times, they give lives a second chance. Or, both. While the acts of the rescue themselves often take the spotlight, there’s something to be said about the perspective of the rescuer. Recently, Field Officer Solly Skhosana of the Tshwane SPCA let us in on that.
From the desk of Field Officer Solly, a heartwarming open letter was penned. Dubbed ‘A Cry That Touched My Heart’, the animal champion’s words took us right to an incident in which the officer had kittens to save.
In the Field Officer’s Words:
‘A Cry That Touched My Heart’
For many, weekends are a time of rest—but for those of us at Tshwane SPCA, it’s often when the most urgent cries for help come through. And on this particular weekend, a cry pierced through the quiet hours and reached straight into my heart.
As the first light of dawn touched the city, we received a call from a concerned community member. For three long days, they had been hearing the faint, desperate cries of kittens—but no one could pinpoint where the sound was coming from. Eventually, someone looked up—and realised the heartbreaking truth: the cries were coming from the roof.
Wasting no time, they called Tshwane SPCA.
When we arrived, the cries were still echoing, soft yet urgent. A sound so small, yet filled with immense desperation. A cry for help. A cry for survival. It was clear—we had to act immediately.
Climbing into the tight, dusty roof cavity, I followed the cries with care. The space was narrow and difficult to navigate, but my mission was clear. When I finally reached them, I found a litter of tiny, frightened kittens, huddled together in fear and exhaustion.
Carefully and gently, I gathered them into my arms—one by one—and brought them to safety.
They are now safe at Tshwane SPCA, warm, fed, and receiving the care they deserve.
This is what we do. This is why we exist. But we cannot do it alone.
Every rescue we carry out is powered by the support of people like you—people who care. People who choose to stand with us in the fight for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The Field Officer’s letter is but one of many. The ‘cry for survival’ is a sound he and his team are not strangers to. In fact, we’re sure these cries echo in their minds long after the fact.
It’s important to remember that there are real humans behind these rescues we often take for granted; each putting whatever they’re going through in their own lives aside for the sake of another being. And there are few things more heroic than that.
You can support the Tshwane SPCA below:
Bank: FNB
Account Name: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tshwane NPC
Account Number: 56160007452
Branch Code: 261550 (Centurion)
Account Type: Cheque Account
by 