Benoni SPCA remains on board despite challenging year– AGM

Dedicated to its mission of promoting animal welfare, the Benoni SPCA remained positive despite a challenging year.

This was revealed during the society’s 2021/22 AGM on July 13 at the Benoni Lake Club.

According to SPCA chairperson Diane Wooldridge, the 2021/22 financial year presented a number of challenges but with the sustained effort and dedication of the committee, they were dealt with.

“Our manager of seven months, Bronwyn Kleynhans, resigned and we are in a process of finding a replacement.

“Outreach programmes must improve, although we do have a weekly outreach program. It is still on a smaller scale because we only have one inspector and field officer, however, I am confident that this can be done.

“A lot of our fundraising is focused towards outreach as the cost of this exercise is relatively expensive.”
Wooldridge said the charity shop is their biggest monthly fundraiser and is doing very well since they’ve extended the working hours.

“Our boarding facilities, which have been improved, are doing well and during holiday seasons we are booked to capacity,” Wooldridge said.

She emphasised that public support is still needed to keep the society’s gates open to enable them to continue their important work of prevention of animal cruelty.

She thanked the staff and donors for their continued support during the course of the year.

Financials
Presenting the treasurer’s report, Mark Stuart Downing shared that the total revenue increased by 4.9% to R3.572m compared to 2021. Total expenses increased to R3.5443m and cash generated for the year was R187 000.

He indicated that the Benoni SPCA purchased a new vehicle. The society also saw a decrease in creditors and provisions, inventory, and investment while cash balance increased.

In regards to adoptions, they saw a decrease from R239 115 to R180 178 while the charity shop raised R803 183.

A total of R769 572 was received from donations, R58 867 from kennel sponsorship, R89 440 from the medical room clinic and boarding fees raised 264 205.

Inspector’s report
Benoni SPCA inspector Tebogo Maswangane said the Benoni SPCA’s response rate to cruelty complaints has risen.
For the period of 2021/21, Maswangane said they investigated 576 cruelty cases and issued 211 cruelty warnings.

Routine inspections are carried out at grooming parlours, hawking sites, pet shops, independent kennels, security companies, stable yards, animal exhibits and zoos.

How can you help?
You can make Benoni SPCA your MySchoolMyVillagePlanet beneficiary where every swipe goes towards their outreach program.

A regular donation of R50 to help the society care for animals they receive. Sponsoring a kennel for R300 per month.

All donations qualify for an S18A Tax Certificate. For more information contact 011 894 2814/5 or email admin@spcabenoni.co.za