How the SPCA makes ends meet

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane SPCA is situated on the Roodepoort road and cares for about 70 animals.

These include animals in boarding, as well as strays and donated animals.

“We currently have 23 dogs, 12 cats, three horses and six donkeys,” says Anton du Bruyn, the SPCA manager.

“There are nine staff members working here, of whom two are inspectors.”

Anton says people often ask where the SPCA gets their money from. He says they are dependent on donations. “SPCAs, like all other charities, are reliant on the public’s generosity and goodwill of the public and businesses.

“People often leave money in their wills for the SPCA. The SPCA gets no money from government, but we can negotiate with the local municipality to act as a Stray Animal Pound, in which event the money that we receive is specifically for dealing with strays.”

Anton says the SPCA receives calls from the public asking them to catch a stray animal in the street.

“The SPCA does not go out and fetch a dog from the street. The reason for this is that by the time the inspector gets to the place where the animal was seen, the animal is usually gone,” he says.

“If the animal has been run over, is hurt and is still alive, the SPCA will respond immediately.”

Anton says they are in need of food for small breed dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.

The SPCA is open to the public from 09:00 until 15:30 on weekdays and from 09:00 until 11:30 on Saturdays.

One inspector and kennel staff are on duty 24 hours a day.

For any questions or to get hold of an inspector, phone (015) 291 1088.