IT is with great sadness that the National Council of SPCAs advises of two recent incidents involving the targeting of SPCAs by criminals. The Richards Bay SPCA was broken into and burgled recently. Damage to the premises occurred and a computer was stolen. The incident was captured on CCTV. It is confirmed that the alarm was sounded, but the criminals escaped before the arrival of the security company.
The SPCA based in Stilfontein (Matlosana SPCA) was also broken into. Gates from the kennels were stolen as well as electrical cables and all steel items even including taps. A detailed list of damage and list of items stolen is in the process of being compiled. A case was opened at the local SAPS.
A report from the security company that monitors the premises has been requested by the acting chairperson of the SPCA in Stilfontein. The premises are monitored by CCS Security who advised that they have no record of an alarm being activated or of a call being received to this effect. This too is under investigation.
“We believe that in these circumstances, sympathy and support should be the order of the day. People should be coming forward to show solidarity and to stand behind the SPCAs who have a great deal of welfare work to undertake yet find themselves victimised by criminals and having to pick up pieces – literally.
It will be impossible for Stilfontein to recover from this loss without support from the community. Welfare organisations are often a soft target for criminal activities as sophisticated security measures are simply too expensive and cannot be obtained in already, difficult financial circumstances.
We are relieved to advise that no animals were directly affected or harmed in any way,” said members from NSPCA.
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