Help newly registered GRAWS grow

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet SPCA has been essential to the protection of animals in distress since its establishment in 1968.

Sadly, after facing financial difficulties for the past couple of years, the organisation finally closed down on 20 May 2022 and handed over the reins to the Graaff-Reinet Animal Welfare Society (GRAWS).

GRAWS is a newly registered animal welfare society offering the same services as the SPCA but with a difference.

GRAWS have committed themselves to continue to be of service to the Graaff-Reinet community. They are at the same kennels where the SPCA used to be and are available on the same 072 123 1722 number for animal related emergencies.

At the premises you will find the caretaker, Neil Marais, and office manager, Carlin Raath, who will assist you to the best of their ability. GRAWS still have the normal dipping and deworming days and still offer boarding for pets at an affordable rate.

The options of dog walking services and home cooked meals for pets boarding at the kennels at a set rate pet have now been introduced. The prevention of cruelty to animals remains the primary objective and their inspectorate team still responds to callouts for any injured or abused animal.

GRAWS offer access to a full range of veterinary services at discounted welfare rates, seven days a week, including public holidays, and have fully equipped theatres where they attend to medical emergencies and do sterilisations.

"We are committed to sterilizing as many animals as possible to contribute to reducing the number of strays." As soon as their facility is upgraded, GRAWS will appoint a full-time vet, ensuring access to more affordable veterinary services to the community.

GRAWS have also adopted pro-life policies with a strong focus on fostering, and ultimately re-homing, rescued or surrendered animals. Strick home-checks are done, and every animal is medically assessed, vaccinated, dewormed, treated for ticks and fleas, sterilised and microchipped before adoption.

"We have a growing number of happy adopters and pets in the greater Graaff-Reinet community" says Carlin Raath.

Education on the welfare of animals is also an important aspect of their work as this may prevent animals from ending up in the kennels. In addition to the above, GRAWS have applied to the local municipality to take over the responsibility of impounding strays and livestock roaming the streets, including transporting and feeding these animals.

"This will lighten the load of the municipality and keep our roads safe." They are hoping for a positive response from council in this regard. GRAWS is requesting the assistance of the community to enable them to continue to be of service. "Please open your heart and home by adopting or fostering, get involved by volunteering, or donate to make a difference."

"We are in dire need of funds to keep everything up and running and to be able to help every animal that comes through our doors. We have been active as the Graaff-Reinet Animal Welfare Society since 1 June. After only 20 days our vet bill for assisting underprivileged people from our community at welfare rates is already at R11,000 and we already have 17 dogs and 18 cats that need to be taken care of. We have one bag of dog food and NO cat food left."

At present GRAWS is also in process of renovating the kennels and would love the touch of the Graaff-Reinet community. Anyone who would like to take on a new project is invited to pick a kennel to renovate.

Those who are unable to participate in the project are requested to consider donating towards the renovation.

"One bag of cement can redo the floors of two kennels. A fresh coat of paint would do wonders making it feel like "home". Please donate a tin of paint or a bag of cement or come and give it your personal touch to make it your own."