Craig Rudman has been the general manager of SPCA Randburg for the last three years. Rudman made the move to the SPCA from his previous job at a water purification company in Durban. “I felt it was time to give back and devote myself to a cause and the SPCA is a great cause,” Rudman said on 23 September.
Rudman was proud of the development that has taken place since his appointment. “We have a high adoption rate here. We’ve gone from strength to strength.” He spoke excitedly about successful upgrades to the facilities and plans that he intends to implement including a spacious garden for dogs to socialise with new owners, cat runs and yet more construction upgrades to facilitate more animals. “We want to take away any bad stigma and make it a comfortable place for people to come,” he explained.
Rudman attributed a well-functioning SPCA to staff that he has trained over the last three years and a very good vet who offers advice when necessary. Rudman said that their inspectors go on a refresher course every three years at South African Veterinary Council.
Running an SPCA is not without its hardships, and Rudman admitted with a sudden bleak demeanour that the hardest part of his job is having to euthanise animals, while his favourite is to see the dogs go home. “This job is 80 per cent heartache and 20 per cent happiness,” ruminated Rudman, “we see cruelty on a daily basis.”
The SPCA attempts to find homes for as many animals as possible. It is a non-profit organisation based in North Riding. Their programmes include investigating cases of animal cruelty, taking in stray or unwanted animals, pet adoption and education programmes.
Details: SPCA Randburg: 011 462 1610/50.
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