Annual SPCA AGM reveals the good, bad and ugly

The RandWest SPCA recently held its annual general meeting (AGM) for the 2023/ 24 financial year with chairperson Brenda Eloff revealing the good, bad and ugly.

Eloff said staff rate numbers increased compared to the previous financial year. She added they appointed enough staff to offer a manager position awarded to René van Straten and continued to explain important statistics.

The RandWest SPCA Randfontein branch has 40 dog kennels and 12 cat kennels while the Westonaria branch only has 15 dog kennels and three cat kennels. A total of 2 270 animals were admitted between the two branches from April 1, 2023, to March 30, 2024. Of these 2 270 animals, 870 were cats, 1 349 dogs, and 46 others including pigs, poultry, and wildlife. There were 43 pre-home checks completed while only three cat owners and 19 dog owners visited the SPCA to claim their pets. Eloff explained that in the 2022 book year, they had 14 adoptions, however, it seemed to take a positive turn with 2023’s adoptions showing a major increase of eight cats and 64 dogs.

Their adoption rates decreased by about 41% due to the lack of community funds. She added that 20% of the adoptions were from committee members.

“I am on cloud nine and forever grateful for the adoption figures. However, and to put things into perspective out of the 2 270 animals we could only home 72,” Eloff said.

She further stated that 33 routine inspections were carried out and 317 cruelty investigations done by three investigators. Two cruelty cases were won by the SPCA, 71 warnings were issued and 18 warrants were obtained. Furthermore, 1 622 animals were dealt with during animal cruelty cases – 46 cats and 765 dogs were part of these cases.

“If we can educate the community, these figures will surely drop. Education is the key function. Stop animal cruelty through education,” she said.

Eloff then thanked the staff along with the community for supporting the local SPCA, especially Meadow Feeds and Nola who make monthly animal feed donations.

She went on to talk about the financial report, claiming the income dropped by about six per cent as compared to the previous financial year. Boarding fees have also dropped by 38%.

Then, the cat trap hire decreased by 67% since companies are now using their own and bringing the animals to the SPCA. The claiming fees, according to Eloff went down by about 14%.

Eloff was also grateful their alimony fees increased adding that even though people are struggling financially, they still realise the need of having their animals spayed and neutered. Although most of the RandWest and Westonaria kennels were repaired, Eloff claimed they needed a massive R200 000 to continue repair work.

“Fixing kennels will automatically increase the number of animals we can home,” Eloff emphasised.

Another big increase was the charity shop. Eloff has appealed to the public to donate their second-hand goods to be sold in the shop.

Unfortunately, expenses increased in comparison with the previous financial year, including animal feed, insurance, motor vehicle expenses, repairs, salaries and veterinary costs. One of the major setbacks was due to the amount of break-ins that occurred throughout the past financial year.

Eloff then stressed the importance of community support.

“We would not be able to do what we are doing without the public. When we were appointed in February 2021, the SPCA was on the brink of closure and three years later we are still standing,” she said proudly.

Van Straten then spoke about the ups and downs both she and investigators experienced during the past financial year.

According to Van Straten, they took over the Krugersdorp area in January. Since then until July, the SPCA has handled 78 complaints in Krugersdorp.

She went on to highlight the court cases. When she started, her first court case was opened in 2018. Since then, she has had three pending cases in Randfontein, two in Westonaria, and two in Carletonville. During this financial year, Van Straten opened seven cases in Randfontein, six in Westonaria, one in Carletonville, and three in Krugersdorp which leaves the SPCA with a total of 23 cases – eight were closed. Within this year, Van Straten managed to close three cases in Randfontein. One of the cases was withdrawn by the court because according to Van Straten, the accused was an 80-year-old woman.

An accused in one of their cases was found guilty, however, she claimed he was a first offender and therefore it was categorised as a diversion. Another case was temporarily closed by the court since the perpetrator could not be found.

It was also noted that they managed to execute more vaccination drives throughout the previous year’s records (2022/ 23) during Mandela Day and they vaccinated 172 animals at Tambotie Mall. She continued by naming the financial report of 2022/ 23, stating that it was a good year for the SPCA. She also claimed that R56 000 was spent on repairs for their vehicles and the donations increased by 56%.

Eloff concluded by heartfully thanking all inspectors and staff for their hard work and compassion towards animals.