NSPCA allays funds distribution concerns
The NSPCA released a statement regarding where income generated from online fund-raising goes.
As a result of recent alarmist messages being circulated, especially on social media, SPCAs with fewer resources and in greater need are being penalised, said the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).
(One such “alarmist” incident was covered in the GCN dated June 9: “SPCA reacts to fake news post about closing down”).
A statement was issued by the NSPCA to bring clarity and accuracy to the situation.
“It is the smaller SPCAs, which tend to be situated in distant, rural areas, which have the greatest need for funds.
“Not only do they cover vast areas in terms of animal welfare but they also battle to raise funds from a generally impoverished population,” said the statement.
For this reason, the “SPCA Inspectorate Support Fund” was established.
The statement read: “Social media messages from the treasurer of the Germiston SPCA referred to this fund, misleadingly and deceptively, advising that the NSPCA takes 40 per cent of income from a specific bank account of the Germiston SPCA.
“The SPCA Act No 169 of 1993 governs the movement in South Africa, in terms of which, each branch generating income via the internet must have a separate bank account for which such funds are paid.
“The movement stood together and made a gesture of goodwill towards the struggling SPCAs who do not have the expertise, resources or financial investment potential to enable them to generate income via websites or on similar platforms.
“The agreement is that 40 per cent of income generated through the internet and similar platforms is allocated to the Inspectorate Support Fund and duly distributed where it is most needed.
“While this fund is administered by the NSPCA, the income is redistributed and not retained by us.”
The statement added that this is transparent and clearly stated on the websites or other online pages of SPCAs.
For example, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA clearly states: “We would like you to know that not only will your donation directly benefit the animals in our area but, through a sharing agreement between all SPCAs nationwide, a portion will be used in other, less fortunate areas to benefit animals over a wider area. We feel sure you will approve of this outreach initiative and wish to thank you most sincerely for supporting our branch and the movement generally.”
The NSPCA and the individual SPCAs throughout the country echo this sentiment and urge you to continue supporting your local SPCA, the statement concluded.
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