Economic hardship concern for Benoni SPCA

The Benoni SPCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at The Lake Club Benoni on July 5.

A surplus in the financials, challenges faced by pet owners due to the current economic climate and an increase in search and seizure warrants were among the discussion points at the meeting.

The society had a successful financial year that resulted in a surplus of R145 000 as opposed to last year’s R21 000 deficit.

Benoni SPCA treasurer Mike Yeoman added that donations were up 60 per cent but kennel sponsorship decreased and will now be prioritised.

“I think we had a good year and hope the trend continues”, he said.

Manager of the Benoni SPCA Vicky Finnemore was happy to report that another vehicle was purchased, bringing the total to four.

Some of the improvements in the year included the farmyard paddocks being repaired and the inside wall of the charity shop being painted.

Finnemore said she is pleased with her team and added the inspectorate has grown since last year, with one senior inspector, one inspector and three trainee inspectors now employed.

She said she has faith in the employees to offer professional care at all times and gave recognition to those who feed and clean the animals.

Despite the surplus, Shelly Owens, now vice chairperson, raised concerns over the current economic climate.

Owens fears that animals may fall victim to neglect because individuals and families are finding it difficult to cope financially.

“A tough economic climate has a domino effect, especially on animals.

“People are unable to manage financially and animals are often most affected,” she said.

Owens said their core purpose is to fight against animal cruelty and thanked the public for the large support base they have continually provided.

Senior inspector Shiven Bodasing spoke on legal action that the society has been taking against owners who have mistreated their animals.

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Bodasing said the Benoni SPCA has conducted 24 confiscations since January and 18 prosecution cases have been laid by the inspectorate.

“Animal cruelty is a schedule one offence – just like murder – so it’s very serious,” he warned.

“We plan on taking the outstanding matters further and secure convictions for animal offenders,” he said.

He said all police stations in Benoni work hand in hand with the SPCA to address every known matter of animal cruelty in the vicinity.

“The Benoni SPCA is extremely proactive in enforcing the law – we go and search for acts of cruelty so that we can curb as many incidents as possible.

“Cruelty is widespread and does not exist only in certain demographics and it’s largely because individuals are ignorant of the law that cruelty occurs,” he said

A reshuffle of committee members was also announced.

Changes to the committee included Owens elected as vice-chairperson and Taryn Mansfield elected chairperson.

Diane Wooldridge stepped down as vice chairperson but is still part of the committee.

Clarice Erasmus resigned from the committee for personal reasons.

Owens said re-electing committee members was a formal process.