Here is all the information you need to know about the Germiston SPCA:
- History of the SPCA Movement:
The first SPCA in South Africa was started approximately 125 years ago, and today there are over 90 branches through South Africa, ranging from very small, to very large.
Over the years, as the number of SPCAs grew, their management teams realised that a forum was needed to address common issues, as well as to ensure uniformity, the maintenance of high standards of welfare and quality service to the community.
The result — the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) was founded in 1955, as the Federation of SPCAs, to provide a forum to bring uniformity to welfare legislation and standards.
The 90 member SPCAs in South Africa are governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993, which is administered by the NSPCA, thus constituting the SPCA as a statutory body.
- What does this mean to you, the customer?
This means that each SPCA operates according to a set of standard regulations against which their performance and your expectations can be measured.
- What is the SPCA’s Mission?
It is exactly as the name indicates.
The mission is the prevention of cruelty to animals, by way of education, law enforcement and pro-active and reactive activities.
This means the SPCA is concerned with the welfare of all animals, from the tiniest mouse right up to the largest blue whales.
The SPCA is responsible for supporting the SAPS in enforcing legislation, including, but not limited to, the Animals Protection Act and the Performing Animals Protection Act.
- How does your SPCA operate?
Although the Germiston SPCA is a non-profit charity organisation, it is run on business principles.
The staff fall into different groups of functions, namely, inspectorate, educators, outreach, kennels and pound.
No funding is received from the government and the society is solely reliant on the generosity of the public.
- What you can expect from the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA:
1. They investigate reports of cruelty and prosecute where necessary.
2. They accept all unwanted animals or any animal that cannot be provided with the care it needs, no matter the reason. They will never turn any animal away.
3. When possible, they will do their best to find a new home for the animal.
4. They care for the animals in their kennels.
5. They offer advice on finding the perfect pet companion for your needs, and teach you how to care for it.
6. Where possible, they will collect stray animals, but vehicles and staff are very limited and this is not always possible. They ask that you bring the stray animals to the society if you can. If you are unable to bring in the animal, they suggest that you confine it before you phone for assistance, as often the animal has moved location by the time the team gets there.
7. There is a 24-hour pound to accept lost and stray animals.
8. There is a 24-hour emergency line.
- What the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA does not do:
1. They are unable to offer veterinary treatment for privately owned pets, as they do not have a vet on their premises. If your pet is sick, you should contact your local vet.
2. They do not collect dead animals. You will need to contact your local municipality to do this.
- Education and outreach:
Teams regularly visit schools and communities to educate people about the best way to care for their animals, the importance of sterilisation, what cruelty is and how to report cruelty.
They also visit areas where animal welfare is a concern and remove any unwanted, abandoned, injured or sick animals.
- How you can help — adopt don’t shop:
Have your own animals sterilised to prevent unwanted litters, which often end up in the SPCA kennels.
Donate dry and wet food, blankets, toys, beds, kennels and cat scratching posts.
Any gift, no matter how small, makes a big difference to the animals.
- Pound:
The SPCA runs a 24-hour pound, where lost animals can be brought.
When an animal is brought in or collected as a stray, they are kept in the pound for seven days, while staff wait for their owners to find them.
During this time the animals receive any medical care that is required, as well as food, water, shelter, etc.
If their owners are not found during this time, and the animal is suitable for rehoming, they are put up for adoption to give them a second chance at the life they deserve.
Lost and found animals can be reported via the website: www.spcagermiston.co.za
- Contact details:
1. Landline: 011 825-5036/33.
2. After hours or emergency: 082 675 0072.
3. Cruelty can also be reported via the website: www.spcagermiston.co.za
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