Middelburg Shelter set to close doors

Update

MIDDELBURG NEWS - Yet another much needed animal shelter is set to close its doors. This comes at a time when it can least afford to do so as we are entering the festive season.

The Middelburg Animal Shelter (Middelburg Diereskuiling) has been a safe haven for unwanted and destitute dogs and cats for the past five years. Run by dedicated shelter mom, Marietjie van Rooyen, the shelter currently houses approximately 100 animals.

There are two permanent staff members and a casual worker – one permanent staff member manages operations at the shelter and the other runs the charity shop with the assistance of the casual worker.

The charity shop was opened in the hope of generating much needed funds but sadly support has been seriously lacking, with only a handful of the community pledging their support.

Regardless of all Van Rooyen's efforts to keep its doors open, the situation at the shelter is dire, and closure is imminent. "Worrying about whether all the animals will be fed, how to pay vet bills and salaries, and battling with no electricity for more than five months has seriously affected her health and caused immeasurable mental strain," says Courtney Stassen of Noupoort Animalcare.

The electricity was cut off by the Municipality who refuse any assistance from their side and are flouting their responsibility towards the animals of the town.

"Calls for assistance, calls for capable animal lovers to take over the shelter, have constantly been met with little to no response. Even after making the decision to shut the shelter doors, Van Rooyen is still hoping for a miracle because deep down she doesn't want five years of blood, sweat and tears, to all have been for nothing." Van Rooyen has fought for every animal that has come through her gates, choosing a pro-life stance, despite being ridiculed for it. Sadly, most of her townsfolk do not seem to recognise the importance of having a shelter. Where to with the ever-increasing number of strays and unwanted pets should this shelter closes its doors?

"Marietjie really does everything in her power to try and raise funds, but if your town isn't fully behind you, it's a problem," says Stassen.

This is a last desperate call for support, in the hope of being able to keep the shelter open. Members of the community are urged to donate, foster, or adopt. The Middelburg Animal Shelter's adoption policy is in line with that of the SPCA – all animals are vaccinated and sterilized while awaiting their forever homes and not upon adoption as many shelters do.