SPCA deficit a ‘huge concern’

The decline in donations to the Benoni SPCA is a “huge concern” to the organisation.

The Benoni SPCA’s Diane Wooldridge (co-chairperson), Vicky Finnemore (manager) and Shelley Owens (co-chairperson).

The society held its annual general meeting (AGM) at The Lake Club Benoni, on July 13.

The following was revealed in the financial report, for the financial year, which ended on March 31, 2016:

•The net deficit was R778 038 (the deficit in 2015 was R300 069).

•Donations dropped from R586 506 in 2015 to R294 153 in 2016.

•Fund-raising rose from R12 994 in 2015 to R64 751 in 2016.

•There was no funding from the Lotto in 2016. The funding from the Lotto stood at R152 000 in 2015.

•The bank account as of March 31, 2016, had a balance of R2 144 190.

The organisation’s vet fees dropped by R58 106 from 2015 to 2016, and feeding declined by R86 317.

Vicky Finnemore, Benoni SPCA manager, said the deficit is of “huge concern”.

“The drop in donations is probably because of the current financial climate,” she said.

The manager said the rise in fund-raising is largely due to the Annual Bike Run proceeds donated to the society.

She said the drop in money spent on animal food is thanks to an increased number of food donations and that, without the public’s help, the society would have to close its doors.

“We rely hugely on public assistance in all aspects,” she added.

“Without their help we would have to close our doors.

“It is essential that the public continues to help us, as we need to continue preventing cruelty and servicing the community with stray animals, education and outreach work.”

The manager listed the following projects she would like to get off the ground:

•A sub-committee to focus only on fund-raising. Their involvement will be voluntary. Finnemore said these people will receive gratification from knowing that they have assisted with the welfare of abused and unwanted animals. “The more people we can get involved the more animals we can save from cruelty and neglect,” she explained.

•An on-site vet. The Benoni SPCA wants to build a small onsite clinic, stocked with veterinary paraphernalia and equipment. The vet would do all in-house veterinary work and offer services to the indigent for a minimal fee.

•Converting an outside room into a kitchen, which will give staff an area to wash feeding bowls and prepare food for the animals. “We need to convert one of our old rooms into a reasonably sterile kitchen with proper plumbing, sinks and a solar geyser. We need cupboards, shelves and feed bins,” the manager said.

•Renovating dog runs.

•Free or cheap veterinary services.