Roodepoort — Although recording a financial loss of R200 733 for the past financial year, the dedication of the Roodepoort SPCA staff and volunteers continues to shine through.
During the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the SPCA, the chairperson, Angela Voyiatzakis commended the dedication of the staff and volunteers, and thanked the management committee, which serves on a voluntary basis, and the community for their continuing support.
She added that the financial loss was partly because of the closure of the Krugersdorp SPCA, as well as a reduction in income from the council and the general economic situation in the country.
The Roodepoort SPCA is 72 years old and currently has 28 staff members whose routine duties include inspections of abattoirs, hawking sites, breeding operations, pet shops, security companies using dogs, grooming parlours and stable yards – to name only a few.
During the past financial year, 11 514 routine inspections were conducted in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, including matters relating to farm, exotic and wild animals, and equine as well as domestic or companion animals.
A qualified inspector has the same powers as a police officer in terms of the Act. It is the SPCA’s policy to – whenever possible – educate first when working with individuals and communities to improve the welfare and lives of all animals. When this is impossible to achieve, because of blatant cruelty or refusal to cooperate, the inspectors are not afraid to use the power of the law and initiate criminal charges.
The Roodepoort SPCA’s inspectorate undertook 1 873 cases of cruelty to animals, resulting in 763 warnings being issued, and 18 cases being opened. The inspectorate won two court cases which resulted in criminal convictions for the accused. Fourteen cases are still pending and three were withdrawn.
The AGM was concluded by the Chairman with the following words, “We are sure that Roodepoort and Krugersdorp residents are looking forward to another outstanding year working together with their local SPCA in protecting all animals and safeguarding their welfare.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
