Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA operational on an emergency basis

The Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA is not open to the general public throughout the Covid-19 21-day lockdown.

However, Chairperson of the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA Gregory Soares assured residents that the care of animals already admitted at the SPCA will continue, along with response to animal cruelty complaints and animal emergencies.

“The municipal pound remains operational, by appointment only,” said Soares.

He said staff capacity will be reduced to alternating skeleton staff.

“Stringent disinfection and biosecurity protocols, which have already been implemented prior to the lockdown, remain in place. The staff received pamphlets published by the World Health Organisation, guiding them on hand washing,” said Soares.

Regarding the kennels, he said strict sanitation and biosecurity measures remain in place. F10 disinfectants will still be used as always.

“We will have staff members staying on the property who will be able to care for the animals already at our society and those admitted in the weeks to come. No volunteers will be allowed during the nation-wide lockdown.”

The staff will be available for animal emergencies on Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 4.30pm.

A staff member will also be on duty to respond to animal emergencies during all days and times which fall beyond the office hours.

“The focus of our work during this time is on emergency care, such as animal cruelty and sick and injured animals.”

Animals admitted to the SPCA will be admitted through the after-hour drop-off kennels, on the left side of the facility.

“These kennels will be serviced regularly, and strict disinfection protocols of the kennels and stationery will take place,” said Soares.

Reception is closed and staff will only be attending to phone calls and emails.

He maintained all adoptions are suspended until further notice as well as all non-essential veterinary services, such as vaccinations, deworming and sterilisations.

“We urge our community to remain calm and to take the welfare of their animals into consideration during this time,” said Soares.

“Abandoning your animal is a crime and we plead with members of the public to rather surrender your animals to your local SPCA should you not be able to care for them anymore.”

Soares said the staff members have not noted an increase in animals admitted into the care of the SPCA.

“We assure you that we remain dedicated to our core mandate – the prevention of cruelty to animals, which we must do in a responsible way. Community members should remain vigilant and report suspected animal cruelty and animal emergencies,” said Soares.

Soares urged residents to support the Bedfordview and Edenvale SPCA to ensure services to the animals and the community.

For emergencies or queries, call the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA on 011 825 5033 or email reception@spcagermiston.co.za