SPCA in dire straits

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - "We are now entering a time when the question isn't whether we are going to close our doors but WHEN."

These are the heartbreaking words from the secretary on behalf of the committee of the Graaff-Reinet and District SPCA.

"The Graaff-Reinet and District SPCA is now running its last lap before this 47 years old NGO collapses and the responsibility for animal welfare reverts back to the local municipality," said Sonja Bouwer.

"If the communities of Graaff Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda and Aberdeen do not provide volunteers, i.e. unpaid SPCA members to serve on the committee, the society will have no choice but to close the kennels and discontinue its services."

In order for the local branch to survive, energetic and committed members are urgently needed to bring in new ideas, help with fundraising, attend committee training, while abiding by the rules and regulations of the NSPCA. Most of the current members are older folk, some of whom also run their own businesses, and not all are familiar with modern technology or even in a position health-wise to be able to help for much longer.

The SPCA receives no funds from the national or provincial government and is only allocated R1 500 per month from the local municipality - not enough to pay one kennel worker.

All municipalities are legally obligated to provide and maintain a municipal pound. One does exist in Graaff-Reinet, next to the municipal stores, but the impractical, unusable pound without water, proper shelter for differing animals, ramps, feed or caretaker, is of no use except to satisfy this legal obligation. Letters in this regard were sent by the SPCA to the various municipal managers many times over the past five years with no positive feedback at all.

From April to December 2018, Graaff- Reinet SPCA dipped and dewormed
1 896 animals, 481 strays were admitted to the kennels of which 48 found alternative homes, while 78 (due mostly to contagious diseases) and 296 (at owners' requests) were euthanised. The sad reality is that less than 10% of strays found new homes and that more and more people are surrendering their pets as they can no longer afford to keep them.

As well as domestic animals, many others are suffering because of the ongoing drought.

Horses roaming freely on the roads are a tremendous safety problem, but the SPCA should not have to take responsibility for these animals, which should be dealt with by the municipality. Many of these horses have to be euthanised, at a cost of R1 500. Local vets do have a special rate for welfare organisations, but obviously, have to charge for their services.

Assistance with the investigation into two cases of horrific animal abuse has not resulted in feedback from the local SAPS office. With the National Lotteries Commission's financial assistance, 72 dogs and cats were sterilised, at least preventing more litters of unwanted animals.

During the past year an SPCA trainee inspector, Hillary Chaplin, was appointed. Her various training fees were paid for by the society and she will soon be a fully trained inspector. The six staff members work for low salaries and under huge pressure, not helped by the many break-ins at the property during the past year.

The six staff members include the inspector, a field worker, the kennel manager, and three kennel workers. These people are exposed to some dreadful cases of cruelty and neglect on a regular basis, but perform their duties diligently and with compassion, for very little financial reward.

"Imagine a town without an SPCA. A town with lots of animals with highly contagious diseases running wild spreading disease to residents and pets," said Bouwer. She points out the dangers of uncontrolled breeding and no organisation to fight escalating animal abuse.

The committee's final plea is for those with energy, drive, and enthusiasm to heed the call to revive the SPCA.

"We need people with good communication skills, able to network on social media, and with contacts for fundraising," said Bouwer.

Anyone who can assist in any way, is asked to please contact Ann Davison on 049 892 3251 or grtspca@gmail.com, or secretary Sonja Bouwer at 049 892 3143 or accommodation@obesa.co.za.

SPCA field worker, Jean-Heinrich Pieterse.