Our local SPCA: What you should know
The Herald sat down with local SPCA chairman, Lucy Phillips, to discuss just how important its work is, and you can help, especially since the receive no funds from government whatsoever.
With more than 350 animals being rescued, collected and dropped every month, the Randfontein and Westonaria Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is doing its best to look after man’s best friend.
The Herald recently caught up with Lucy Phillips, local SPCA chairman, who explained that the non-profit organisation gets no funds whatsoever from government nor the local municipality and relies solely on the community to keep it going.
Kennels are full, streets are strewn with unwanted animals, and animal cruelty and negligence occurs regularly. The question is, what are we as the public to do and what is the SPCA’s role in all of it? Lucy explains …
What should you do if you see a lost animal in street?
“All animals picked up by the public should be brought to the SPCA and a legal form should be filled in stating that you are not the owner,” said Lucy.
Lucy continued by saying that the legal document gives them the authority to re-home the animal if the owner does not claim it within seven days. The SPCA scans all animals that are brought in, to try to find its owners. If an owner does not claim his animal in seven days, it will be put up for adoption.
What must you do if an animal bites you or your animal?
“People must have proof such as a photo or video and immediately open a case at the local police station,” said Lucy.
Lucy told the Herald that only the police can give the SPCA the authority to collect and take in an animal. She added that only if an animal is really suffering are they allowed to remove it without police permission. She also said that a charge must be laid against the owner of the animal.
When can you call the SPCA if a dog is being neglected or abused?
“People must have evidence such as a photograph that counts as proof that the animal is being neglected or abused,” said Lucy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_bOvfSvG9U&feature=youtu.be
Things to remember:
• The SPCA requires a R150 collection fee
• If an animal is claimed after seven days, the owner will have to adopt the animal again.
• Do not feed neglected animals, as there will be no evidence that the animal is neglected
• You are not allowed to chain your animal unless the animal is on a running chain
• The SPCA has to give three warnings to animal owners before they can impound an animal
• When walking in the street, your animal must be on a leash at all times
• Go to your local doctor if you are bitten by an animal
• Sterilise and neuter your animals
• Make sure your animals get all their injections
Lucy wants to advise the community to keep their animals safe and healthy. She also wants to ask the community to assist the SPCA with any kind of donation in order for it to keep on doing the good work it does.
Lydia Dikhuco, who is an employee at the SPCA, told the Herald that it is very difficult for her to see an animal that is suffering and to see animals go.
“I get very attached to the animal and all of them are special in their own way. People should love and care for their animals,” said Lydia.
The Randfontein SPCA can be contacted on the following numbers: Office 011 412 3114; Mobile 073 389 4183 and in emergencies 083 654 8195. Westonaria’s mobile number is 073 214 7451.
“Sterilise, sterilise and sterilise,” said Lucy as we left.
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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