Lawyer who fights for South African animals wins crime-fighter award

27 May 2016 - 18:05 By TMG Digital

A lawyer who helps fight animal abuse has been named as the 2016 winner of the annual Women in Law Enforcement Awards.Jane Marston‚ vice chairperson of the National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA)‚ accepted the award at the Indaba Hotel outside Johannesburg where the 9th Annual Women in Law Enforcement Conference is under way.Marston has been the NSPCA’s pro bono legal representative since 1997‚ assisting the NSPCA on all cases through representation and preparation‚ and obtaining Senior Counsel to become involved‚ also pro bono.“Jane leads by example. She has commitment to the cause through willingness to consult and mentor and is available no matter how short the notice or inconvenient‚” the SPCA council said in a statement on Friday‚ describing her as "an exceptional woman".Holding the qualifications of B.Proc‚ LL.B‚ LL.D and a BA Honours‚ Jane is an attorney‚ notary and conveyancer and has had her own practice since 1991.She is also a past chairperson of the NSPCA‚ and remains on the Board of Directors.NSPCA Executive Director‚ Marcelle Meredith‚ emphasised the importance of enforcement in terms of animal welfare legislation in South Africa‚ stating that it plays a pivotal role.“It is heartening‚ encouraging and extremely rewarding that contributions in this area are recognised‚ especially on a national platform and more importantly‚ among peers.“In congratulating Jane‚ we give credit to her commitment‚ expertise‚ time and professionalism. The time she spends away from her practice is noted - this contribution is invaluable to us. The amount of money saved is valued income that enables us spend the funds to assist animals directly and uplift their welfare.”..

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