Boksburg SPCA faces mounting challenges despite recent successes
Former chairman of the SPCA, Victor Hall noted the financial pressures that continue to plague the society.
Boksburg SPCA is confronting several significant challenges, even as it celebrates financial improvements achieved over the past two fiscal years.
During the organisation’s AGM held on July 20, former chairperson Victor Hall highlighted the primary hurdles: sustaining financial gains, securing ongoing community support, and maintaining credibility and reputation.
Financial struggles amid economic pressures
Victor Hall noted the financial pressures that continue to plague the SPCA.
“While many operational aspects have been addressed and our reputation upheld, we still face financial challenges due to a lack of sustainable business community support in the economic environment.”
He emphasised that operational costs must be tightly managed to avoid outstripping income, particularly as donations from the business community have dwindled in the post-Covid economic climate.
Despite these challenges, the Boksburg SPCA managed to achieve a positive financial result in the last fiscal year, thanks in part to additional income streams introduced previously and a sizable legacy donation.
However, Hall cautioned that the economic hardships affecting potential donors, such as rising costs of living and business closures, continue to impact donation levels.
Decline in donations and increasing costs
One of the most pressing issues is the decline in food donations, especially since the end of 2022.
For the first time, the Boksburg SPCA had to purchase food for the animals in its care, a situation mirrored by other SPCAs and animal welfare organisations across South Africa.
Hall attributed this decline to several factors, including the economic impact on middle-class donors, increased costs of dog food due to imported ingredients, and high petrol prices.
“The reality is the main donors for animal welfare are white middle-class individuals, not businesses.
“This group has been severely affected by the post-Covid economy and load-shedding.”
He urged local businesses to get involved by sponsoring kennels or contributing dog food to help alleviate the strain.
Also Read: Boksburg SPCA wants to visit your school
Overpopulation and animal surrendered
Hall said the SPCA is also grappling with the overpopulation of dogs and cats. The organisation took in 4 885 animals during the 2023/2024 financial year, including 2 639 surrendered dogs and 902 surrendered cats.
“Most of the surrendered animals come from indigent areas such as Vosloorus, Windmill Park, and Reiger Park, where owners cannot afford to keep them or have too many pets due to a lack of access to sterilisation services.”
Hall pointed out that many of these animals will never find homes because there are simply not enough available.
He stressed the need for more government-funded sterilisation clinics and greater public awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
Fundraising efforts and future plans
Hall highlighted that the Boksburg SPCA’s fundraising efforts over the past year have been vital in supporting its operations.
“Key events included a golf day that generated R138 000, a quiz day that brought in R50 000, and calendar sales that raised R26 840.
“Planned fundraising activities for the new financial year include another golf day, a dog walk, a Barnyard event, calendar sales, and a quiz event,” said Hall.
To help with donations and sponsorship, please contact the SPCA on 011 916 5906.
Also Read: Adopt a pet from Boksburg SPCA
