GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet SPCA has been essential in the efforts to protect 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, a registered animal welfare society, is situated at the same premises where the SPCA used to be and still available on 072 123 1722 for animal related emergencies.
GRAWS still has the normal dipping and deworming days and offers boarding for pets at an affordable rate. The option of dog walking services and home cooked meals for pets boarding at the kennels have now also been introduced at a set rate per pet.
The prevention of cruelty to animals remains the primary objective to Caretaker Neil Marais and Office Manager Carlin Raath and their inspectorate team who responds to call outs for injured or abused animals.
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. They are committed to sterilising as many animals as possible to reduce 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.
GRAWS have also adopted pro-life policies with a strong focus on fostering, and ultimately re-homing rescued or surrendered animals. Strict home-checks are done, and every animal is medically assessed, vaccinated, dewormed, treated for ticks and fleas, sterilised and micro chipped before adoption.
“We have a growing number of happy adopters and pets in the greater Graaff-Reinet community,” says Raath.
Education on the welfare of animals is also an important aspect of their work as this prevent animals from ending up in the kennels.
GRAWS has 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 the municipality 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,” urges Raath.
They are in process of renovating the kennels and would welcome the decorating and DIY skills 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. Please donate a tin of paint or a bag of cement or come and give it your own unique personal touch," invites Raath.
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