The Midrand SPCA is calling on the local community for assistance following a recent robbery on their premises.
Chairperson of the Midrand SPCA Brenda Lucas said that trespassers were noticed on their property on 26 March between 9.30pm and 10pm, which led to their alarm being raised by their staff.
She added that they had a swift response from the security companies, the police and community members.
“With our hearts sitting in our throats, we started walking around to assess the damage, while others searched around for the thieves,” she said.
“We found that the palisade fencing had been removed at a section of our premises and some of our wheelie bins containing food, cat litter and toys had been removed from one wendy house.
“Our team walked the premises to check that no other damage or theft had occurred and that our animals were all accounted for and unharmed. Fortunately, although a bit shaken, our staff member was unharmed.”
On 27 March in the morning, it was discovered the thieves returned to the premises and allegedly broke into the blanket room and stole a number of blankets. The suspects also cut the locks on the kennels and stole one dog.
Lucas added, “Our team is devastated and we feel defeated. We have worked tirelessly over the past year to bring many improvements to our society yet we have been plagued by criminal activity. Through the assistance of the public, we enclosed three kennel blocks. Yet now other kennels get targeted.
“We have so many needs that this mountain is impossible to climb on our own, but we know that with the support of the public, we can get over these struggles.”
General manager of the Midrand SPCA Pam Pretorius said, “We would like to replace the palisade fencing with a brick wall. We also need to insert flood lights alongside other security measures. We are appealing the community with any assistance.”
She added that the organisation has had four break-ins the past year.
The incident was reported to the Ivory Park Police Station. Spokesperson for the station Captain Bernard Matimulane said, “According to the staff member on duty that night he heard dogs barking, and he saw two people walking out of the SPCA with two trolleys. Later it was established that one of the dogs and other items such as cat food, blankets, animal toys and a litter of cats have been stolen.”
He added that no arrests have been made but the police are calling on community members to come forward with any information regarding the robbery.
Any residents or companies willing to give assistance to the Midrand SPCA can contact them by emailing info@midrandspca.co.za or call 011 265 9935.
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