VRYHEID KZN: The animals need your kindness and open heart

The name says it all: ‘Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals’. In short, it is known as the SPCA. The SPCA is a non-profit organisation that is run by selfless committee members and volunteers. Their main objective is to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals. The SPCA serves and protects all animals, seeing to their welfare and ensuring their protection under South African law.

But how does the SPCA make money to ‘serve’ animals in distress?

They receive no funding from government and rely solely on donations and fund-raisers from the community. Due to the recent pandemic, the SPCA had no opportunity to raise the money that is needed to see to their monthly expenses.

So why is the SPCA so important?

They provide a safe place for injured and abused animals. The SPCA is the only non-profit organisation with the legal power to help animals in need and bring animal offenders to justice. The SPCA is under no obligation to take in any stray animals, since it is the responsibility of the town’s pound. They offer adoptions as a secondary service, even though they are under no obligation to do so.

What qualifies as animal cruelty?

Situations in which an animal is confined, chained, tethered or secured unnecessarily or under such conditions or in such a manner or position as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering, or in any place that affords inadequate space, ventilation, light, protection or shelter from weather conditions. Also, being the owner of any animal and deliberately or without reasonable cause or excuse abandoning it, whether permanently or not, in circumstances likely to cause that animal unnecessary suffering.

Currently, the SPCA is under extreme financial strain, since there is maintenance work that needs to be done on the premises to keep the animals safe. They are appealing to the community for animal food, blankets for the animals, or monetary donations. They would also like to urge those who are ‘willing and able’ to join the committee or be volunteers. The animals need your help!

Banking details: SPCA Vryheid, Account number: 062198521, Cheque Account, Standard Bank.

Information on euthanizing, supplied by the SPCA:

The SPCA lives for the day when healthy animals are no longer euthanized owing to lack of suitable homes. However, as a result of the current overpopulation of domestic animals caused by indiscriminate breeding, the dumping of unwanted animals, irresponsible guardianship of companion animals, lack of sterilization and inadequate enforcement of legislation, the SPCA accepts with great reluctance that euthanasia is necessary. The SPCA believes that unwanted companion animals deserve a dignified, painless death rather than risk suffering resulting from animal cruelty such as malnutrition, disease, trauma and physical abuse – all commonly associated with unwanted or neglected animals. The reality is that there are more unwanted animals in South Africa than there are good-quality homes, which places SPCAs in an incredibly difficult position. There are also many other welfare organisations that also euthanize animals, but that do not make the public aware of this, as they have seen the manner in which the SPCA is relentlessly criticised. It is of concern that it is only the SPCA which is selectively targeted in this way. Arguments are frequently put forward that if SPCAs permitted “long-distance” adoptions or kept animals for longer periods, euthanasia could be avoided or drastically reduced. Neither of these takes into account the number of animals involved, nor the reason/s for euthanasia. A “healthy” animal may be euthanized for behavioural reasons such as incompatibility with other animals or documented unprovoked attacks on people. Disease is also a major factor. SPCAs are susceptible in that, by law (the SPCA movement is governed by Act 169 of 1993), they may not turn away any animal. If there is a breakout of an infectious disease, it is tragic yet inevitable that to prevent further spread, measures have to be taken, which may include euthanasia. Finding someone to take an animal to avoid euthanizing it is irresponsible. Offering to take an animal, having been led to believe that euthanasia might be imminent, is emotional blackmail / impulse adopting and the long-term welfare of the animal is put at risk. Furthermore, it is inhumane to confine animals for long periods. The result of long-term confinement is stress and this may lead to self-injury / harm or behavioural problems which may never be overcome, rendering the animal even less likely to be adopted or to settle into a home. Not to mention that the psychological and emotional health of an animal is as important as their physical health. In conclusion, the SPCA is opposed to the euthanasia of fit and healthy animals, but accepts the reality that euthanasia is necessary. The SPCA treats each case with the greatest care and compassion, realising that there are fates far worse than death.

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