You read reports in the newspaper about the SPCA, help with donations and may even have given an SPCA dog or cat a loving home. But the question is whether you really know who and what the SPCA is?
The Parys SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a non-profit animal welfare organisation that aims to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.
The National SPCA is a federation of SPCAs that provides a forum to bring uniformity to welfare legislation and standards. However, each SPCA functions as an entity. This means that this is truly a community-driven/sponsored initiative that can only exist with the support of the community.
A local SPCA consists of a committee of volunteers that sees to the effective management of the organisation. This body manages all the financial aspects.
Each SPCA has an inspector who is qualified via the NSCPA, and is managed by the committee. The inspector is responsible for daily operations.
A typical day for an SPCA inspector would include ensuring that all the cleaning of the dog and cat enclosures is done and that the animals have food, water, blankets and a clean kennel. The inspector must also make sure that the animals are not sick. A sick animal would mean a trip to the vet.
On the way to the vet, a call-out might come in for an injured dog that also needs attention.
The police may need a report; there may be a call-out for a case of animal cruelty or an investigation to be done. Animals may need to be taken to the SPCA, paperwork must be done and all animals must have their time in the playground area. Then there are home visits to those who intend to adopt a furbaby and a final check that all animals are taken care of and safely tucked into bed.
The inspector goes home at 19:00 – only to get a call about horses on the R59 and a request to come out and assist. Finally, bedtime is 23:00.
None of these animals would have received any professional help if Parys town did not have an SPCA.
The SPCA is not only for dogs and cats but for all animals, including live-stock in the Parys area.
The government does not provide any funding for the SPCA and, therefore, it is totally dependent on its community for assistance.
The more the community assists, the more assistance the SPCA can provide.
The operational costs of the SPCA are around R50 000 a month, depending on the cases it handles. These include salaries, the vet’s account, food, water and electricity, insurance, vehicle and travel and admin costs.
How can you assist?
1. Monthly monetary donations or sponsoring of a kennel – a fixed amount coming in every month can ease the burden and uncertainty of fixed expenses.
2. Food and blankets for the animals.
3. Assistance with the maintenance and repair of the SPCA kennels and vehicle. Contact the SPCA for the exact details of maintenance, repairs or service requirements.
4. Volunteer – Come and give your time!
5. The SPCA charity shop opposite Pick n Pay in Philip Street welcomes any unwanted items. All proceeds go to the SPCA.
Alternatively, any interested persons can also take note of the SPCA Fun Run on 11 September, or the Charity Day Golf Day on Thursday, 17 October.
The format is a better-ball multiply for R350 per entrant. This includes green fees and cart. There will be a prize-giving afterwards. For more information, contact 082 8537275.
Your help has already made it possible for the SPCA to buy a much-needed and long overdue bakkie at a reasonable price.
