Update: Germiston SPCA comments on viral hoax social media post claiming the society is closing
The animals of the city still have a place of refuge at the Germiston SPCA.
An alarmist social media post went viral on Thursday claiming that the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCAs were on the verge of closing.
“As a result, our phone lines, email and social media channels were flooded by concerned supporters, making it difficult for our staff to respond to everyone, thus compounding the concern.
“The management of the society was not responsible for this post and we distance ourselves from its content,” said Elroy Parkinson, chairperson of the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCAs.
“We are not in imminent danger of closing, but we are struggling financially.”
Parkinson said that the post falsely claimed that 250 cats, dogs, birds, hamsters and horses in the SPCA’s kennels would be euthanased.
“We only have dogs and cats in our kennels and do not adopt out any of the other animals mentioned.
“The post also falsely claimed that animals at other affiliated rescue organisations are at risk of being euthanased should we close.
“We are not affiliated with any of the other organisations mentioned in the post, including Kitty and Puppy Haven and Service Dogs Retirement Haven – they are independent organisations,” he said.
He added that while the society is not in immediate danger of closing it is indeed struggling financially, like many other SPCAs and independent rescue organisations.
“We released a media statement earlier in May explaining our financial situation, specifically that we only have enough savings to sustain our current monthly deficit for another year unless drastic action is taken.
“The social media post also falls into a common misconception and completely understates the importance of the work the SPCA does.
“We do not only help the animals currently in our kennels.
“Through our inspectorate work we follow up dozens of animal cruelty complaints every month, either helping owners improve the condition of animals involved, or prosecuting offenders under the Animals Protection Act.
“Through our proactive inspections of all places where animals are kept or handled, we help hundreds more animals every month.
“We also sterilise 80 to 120 dogs and cats every month and take in around 500 stray and unwanted animals, mostly dogs and cats, which would be left roaming the streets, breeding uncontrollably and worsening the already serious problem of companion animal overpopulation in the Greater Germiston area.
“In total we help as many as 1 000 animals every single month,” said Parkinson.
The Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA’s management is determined to keep the doors open and are committed to sound financial management, but the SPCA is completely dependent on the generosity of the public to keep doing this important work without having to scale down on the barely adequate services it provides.
“We urge members of the public to get involved with their local SPCA, understand their needs and join a community of volunteers and donors working to prevent cruelty and make the world a kinder place for all animals,” said Parkinson.
Related articles:
ALERT: Message stating Germiston SPCA is closing down is a hoax
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