The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is launching the “Chains are for Bikes, Not Dogs” campaign during the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour to raise funds and awareness for compassionate pet care, featuring Jack, a rescued dog which symbolises hope and recovery.


The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is excited to announce the Chains are for Bikes, Not Dogs campaign, which will form part of the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour 2025 on Sunday 9 March.

This initiative aims to raise much-needed funds for the SPCA and drive awareness of the importance of compassionate pet care, particularly highlighting the issue of dogs being cruelly chained up.

The campaign features Jack, the spokesdog who spent years chained, out of sight and neglected. His life was a heartbreaking reminder of the cruelty that many dogs experience every day. Jack was rescued from these harrowing conditions by the SPCA’s Inspector Taljaard, and today he is not only recovering, but thriving with the help of Hill’s. As the spokesdog for this campaign, Jack’s story symbolises hope, resilience, and the potential for second chances. Hill’s has been providing the essential nutritional care Jack needs during his recovery, aligning with their ongoing commitment to promoting healthier, happier lives for pets.

“We’re proud to partner with the SPCA on this meaningful campaign,” said Jackie Quail, Shelter Channel Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Jack’s story, like that of many other rescues, highlights the importance of not only rescuing animals from cruel conditions, but also supporting their recovery with proper care and nutrition.”

A campaign with purpose: The campaign highlights the SPCA’s broader mission to combat animal cruelty while promoting responsible pet parenting. The Cape Town Cycle Tour serves as the perfect platform to amplify this message, bringing cyclists and animal lovers together to pedal for a cause that goes beyond the race. It’s about giving every dog a chance at a better life.

Did you know it costs the SPCA R300 to R1 000 to break just one chain and an additional R2 500 to R5 000 to help one dog heal from an embedded chain injury!

How to get involved: Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a compassionate supporter, there are numerous ways to take part in this campaign. You can register for the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2025, raise funds for the SPCA, or make a direct donation. Every contribution helps the SPCA continue their life-saving work for dogs like Jack, who are still waiting for their chance at freedom.

“Let’s ride to ensure chains remain on bikes, not dogs,” Quail concluded. Register today, donate or break the chain with a symbolic contribution. Your support helps the SPCA continue its life-saving work, giving every dog the chance to live a life free from cruelty.

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