Neighbouring SPCA closed – Same fate for R’fontein?
Are our local West Rand SPCAs in a crisis? With Krugersdorp already having closed its doors, Randfontein and Roodepoort could suffer the same fate.
Tragedy struck the Krugersdorp SPCA in March 2015 as they had to shut their doors, and Randfontein, or even Roodepoort, could be next, if should they continue to receive little or no assistance from the public.
A statement was released recently raising concerns about the welfare of animals in Krugersdorp. The Randfontein, Randburg and Roodepoort SPCAs are now taking in stray and unwanted animals and responding to cases of animal cruelty in the area.
Read more: SPCA cries for help
The statement explains that another animal shelter opened its doors in 2015, shortly after the Krugersdorp SPCA closed. The 9th Day Animal Shelter, which is known as the “no kill” shelter, is currently at full capacity with over 150 animals in care. However, they too may soon face closure due to increasing expenses. Furthermore, they have been given notice to vacate their current premises by December.
Concerned, the Herald recently caught up with Lucy Phillips, local SPCA chairman, who explained that the non-profit organisation gets no funds whatsoever from either government or the local municipality and relies solely on the community to keep it going. The SPCA takes in over 300 animals a month.
“We are getting more animals in from Zuurbekom, Kagiso, Krugersdorp and Munsieville,” said Lucy.
Lucy told the Herald that the closing of the Krugersdorp facility and the lack of capacity at the 9th Day Animal Shelter puts a lot of pressure on the Randfontein SPCA, although they are willing to help and will continue to do so.
According to Lucy, the local vets are really helping them out, but they can only keep animals for so long and they are short on staff members and inspectors. The SPCA only has two vehicles which are not in a good condition and they desperately need the help of the public.
“We are here for the community, but we need a lot of assistance. If we had 40 inspectors we could have done so much more, but we do not have them,” said Lucy.
Lucy told the Herald that she does not get paid to work at the SPCA, but she loves animals. She also believes that it is not natural for animals to be kept in cages.
“Everybody expects this service from us, but they are not willing to help us,” said Lucy.
Lucy is very concerned that the SPCA will have to close its doors if no assistance is forthcoming from the public, and appeals to the community to support them.
“Another problem we have is that people complain about the advertising of available animals on social media. We believe that you do not adopt an animal because it looks cute on a photo, you come and meet an animal and see if it is the type of animal you would like to have,” said Lucy.
She would like to remind the public that a R150 collection fee applies when they are called out to collect animals. This money does not go to the employee – it is used for the vehicle and petrol.
They are very excited to host their annual dog walk which will take place on 8 October. More details about the dog walk will be available soon.
The Randfontein SPCA can be contacted on the following numbers: 011 412 3114 (office); 073 389 4183 (mobile) or 083 654 8195 (emergencies only). Westonaria’s mobile number is 073 214 7451.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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