Highveld Ridge SPCA finds homes for more than 100 animals despite financial crisis
Almost 400 animals (including many birds, cows, rabbits and tortoises) were held the past year. Almost 90 dogs were re-homed.
SECUNDA – Highveld Ridge SPCA is technically still bankrupt and battling to pay off inherited debt.
Mr Nick Strydom, chairman, said their estimated R120 000 debt includes settlements to retrenched personnel, outstanding UIF contributions and also tax.
This was the reality shared with about 25 people who attended the SPCA’s annual general meeting held at Kuiersaam Guest House on Wednesday, 31 July.
Those who attended included less than a handful of actual voting members and the four people who are currently serving on the committee. The majority of attendants were representatives from the other local animal welfare organisations in the area.
Ms Maggie Dürr joined the existing committee to make up a new committee comprising five members in line with the NSPCA’s constitutional regulations.
Mr Nick and Ms Mariska Strydom and Mr Marius and Ms Chanelle Oosthuizen are in the middle of their two-year tenure as committee members.
Mr Strydom was the chairman for the past year. The new committee must still meet to elect the new chairman.
In his chairman’s report, Mr Strydom said the Highveld Ridge SPCA has been involved with the welfare of more than 400 animals in the past year. These animals included dogs, cats, cows, birds, rabbits, chickens and even tortoises.
Almost 90 dogs and eight cats were rehomed during this period – which, according to local vet Dr Louis Bosch, was truly a remarkable feat considering the SPCA’s financial crisis and staff shortage.
Mr Strydom said that despite the serious financial constraints, the SPCA still managed to keep its “skew gates” open thanks to the commitment of volunteers.
“After getting involved in animal welfare you realise that people are the most challenging part of what we do.”
Mr Strydom said no other organisation does the same work as the SPCA.
“It is easier to complain on social media than to hold a dying calf in the middle of the night after it was struck by a car. It is easier to spread dissent and untruths than to contribute. It is easier to point fingers and find fault than to try it yourself.”
He said there are many things that he would rather want to forget from the past year – animals hanging on chains, animals being set on fire, downed animals starving to death, chained and beaten animals, and even a case of bestiality.
“These are unfortunately real occurrences in the area around the 20 towns that make up our area of operations.”
Mr Strydom said the Highveld SPCA needs about R40 000 per month to function properly. The Standerton kennels are part of the Highveld Ridge SPCA.
He emphasised that the SPCA does not go out to catch stray animals, due to the lack of money and manpower. Strays are the responsibly of the municipality.
If the SPCA renders this pound service to the municipality, the municipality has to pay for it.
