SPCA still operational during lockdown

This is an unprecedented time for the SPCA as much as it is for the rest of South Africa.

The Brakpan SPCA has wished the nation, the Brakpan community, supporters and colleagues in all provinces health and strength during this time.

The committee thanked staff members for risking their health and lives to ensure animals in the community and in their care are protected.

According to Sanette Bosman, chairperson of the Brakpan SPCA, financial strain during the pandemic is the local society’s biggest concern.

“Our normal services and counter sales to the public that generate funds have been suspended, even fund-raising events will only continue once the spread of the virus has been drastically reduced after lockdown,” she said.

“We, however, wish to let our community know that we are still as committed as always; the animals will be cared for, cruelty investigations and pro-active inspections will continue and essential services to the animals will not stop.

“With that being said, it means we will still have expenses; kennels need daily washing and disinfecting, animals need food and water, we will still be travelling and most staff will be working, and any animal requiring veterinary care will receive treatment from private vets.

“We continue to wash our hands, disinfect surfaces and wear protective gear such as masks and gloves which need replacing.”

Any contribution whether it be financial, masks, gloves, disinfectant, food for the animals or even something for the staff staying on the premises will be highly appreciated to help the society keep afloat.

The banking details for the Brakpan SPCA are as follows:

Standard Bank

Account: 020 922 094

Branch: 012 042

Regarding the national lockdown, Bosman explained the SPCA premises will be closed to the public and volunteers during this period.

There will be no vaccinations, sterilisations, nail clipping or counter sales.

The office will be open from 9am to 4pm during weekdays, but closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

“The focus of our work during this time will be on emergency care, such as animal cruelty and sick and injured stray animals,” said Bosman.

“We do not have a vet on site, we will be posting information regarding available vets on our social media page.

“You can still report cruelty; we will attend to it and no animal will suffer where we are able to help.

“Our after-hours emergency system will still be operational.”

Residents are advised to take note of the following contact numbers:

• Telephone during office hours: 011 742 2007
• After-hours emergencies: 083 696 9052
• Email: secretary@brakpanspca.co.za, inspectorate@brakpanspca.co.za or chair@brakpanspca.co.za

Owners will still have the seven-day period to reclaim stray animals and owners can still surrender their animals.

If you wish to use the after-hours kennels in the wall, leave a note with the animal’s name, age and any other information that will help with rehoming after lockdown has ended.

“We will still be networking our animals available for adoption so you won’t forget about them,” said Bosman.

• Protocols

Always respect the SPCA staff.

They have been given strict instructions to keep themselves safe and will ask you to disinfect before handling stationery and to keep a distance of one meter.

When surrendering animals, phone ahead to inform the SPCA of your arrival.

The front gate will be closed, proceed to the second staff gate.

Remain in your vehicle. Disinfect, complete and sign forms.

The staff member will remove the animal unless you are requested to assist.

• Owner claims

You will need a photo of your animal as you will not be allowed to walk through the pound (snap your pet on your cellphone just in case) and bring your ID.

Owner claim fees still apply.

Phone ahead to inform the SPCA of your arrival.

The front gate will be closed, proceed to the second staff gate.

Please remain in your vehicle for assistance.

• Euthanasia

Phone ahead to inform the SPCA of your arrival.

The front gate will be closed, proceed to the second staff gate.

Please remain in your vehicle.

Disinfect, complete and sign forms.

The staff member will remove the animal unless you are requested to assist.

If you wish to stay with your animal, it will be allowed under strict biosecurity measures.

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts  (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za

or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za

 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

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