The SPCA needs help

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet SPCA is in big trouble and urgently needs community support.

Their financial situation is direful and in the absence of drastic intervention they will not be able to continue helping animals in distress.

The SPCA receives no funding from the government and is solely reliant on generous donations from the public to function.

Several local businesses and individuals have been donating to the SPCA, but the sad reality is that much more is needed.

The number of animals that have to be taken in by the SPCA is ever-increasing and keeping up with bare necessities like food and the treatment of illnesses and injuries is becoming an insurmountable task. At present they can no longer afford to take animals to the vet as they are unable to pay their vet account.

According to someone close to the SPCA, their bill at the vet is more than R50 000.

"The SPCA is reliant on the community for donations of food, blankets and especially adoptions. So many dogs and cats come through their doors that they are unable to save. What will happen to all the animals if they are shut down? The sad reality is that the animals will have to be euthanised."

Another challenge faced by the SPCA is that pet owners also bring their injured pets to them for medical attention.

"Recently an owner of a dog with a severely injured leg went to the SPCA asking for help as they can not afford the vet fees.

The leg needed to be amputated. Unfortunately, not all pet owners are willing to take care of a three-legged dog and then they become the property of the SPCA which means they have one more dog that needs urgent vet care and one more mouth to feed.

That is why the SPCA needs the help of the community."

The source further said that three 8-week-old puppies had to be put to sleep on Monday.

"They fell ill and it was simply not possible to have them diagnosed and treated. The only sustainable solution is to find new homes for animals that have been rescued by the SPCA or surrendered by their previous owners as soon as possible, but this is easier said than done."

Most people are not prepared to pay the sterilisation fee but unfortunately, no animal is allowed to leave the SPCA without being sterilised. Sterilisation is relatively costly but the amount payable can certainly not be measured against the value of life.

There are several beautiful cats and dogs up for adoption and some of them have already been sterilised. Only a small administration fee is payable when adopting an animal that has already been sterilised.

The SPCA is appealing to the community to please visit them to meet these animals – you may just find your forever friend. Those who are unable to adopt can make a difference by donating dog food, cat food or other necessary supplies. Financial contributions towards the SPCA's vet account or to cover sterilisation costs will also be greatly appreciated. Financial contributions can be paid directly to the Camdeboo Veterinary Clinic.

The Graaff-Reinet SPCA would like to express their gratitude to the local businesses and individuals who have opened their hearts to the cats and dogs at the kennels.

They are also immensely grateful to the Camdeboo Veterinary Clinic which has always supported them in so many ways. For more information contact the SPCA at 072 123 1722.