POTCHEFSTROOM SPCA – EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC TRUTHFULLY

Alleged violations of the Animals Protection Act, financial anomalies and the disputed claim that the SPCA Potchefstroom has become the Potchefstroom Animal Welfare Society: -these are the issues on which the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) requires clarity, honesty and accountability. Caring people donated money towards the Potchefstroom SPCA to help animals in the community. As outlined below, the trust of these supporters has been broken by the lack of care for the animals. The monetary assets of the SPCA have been depleted.

The NSPCA is in the process of consulting our legal team with regard to taking action in terms of the SPCA Act No 169 of 1993, as well as charges of fraud and theft against the former committee members.

At the end of the financial year, 31 March 2015, the Potchefstroom SPCA had a total cash value of R256 996.00. Currently there is R4 262.72 in its current account and R16 924.20 in the investment account. Concern is expressed regarding the financial status of this SPCA. During the past 3 years, income increased and the funds in the current and investment accounts were stable. From 20 October to date, R197 000.00 was withdrawn from investments. Last week the National Council of SPCAs, on examination of their finances, found that staff had been paid bonuses on 08 December 2015 which amounted to R102 952.62 on the day when the NSPCA was informed that the Potchefstroom SPCA was no longer operational. A non-staff member, Senior Inspector Andries Venter, was paid a bonus of R24 508.03. At this point, Mr Venter was on sabbatical leave from his employment with the National Council of SPCAs. He resigned when this matter came to light.

Investigation revealed that Mr Venter’s private vehicle instalment and insurance – a sum of R5 450.53 – had been paid by the Potchefstroom SPCA on 30 November 2015. The same amount was paid on 08 December 2015, but with the reference “Andries salaris”, which means Mr Venter received a salary on three occasions within the period of 26 November 2015 to 08 December 2015.

A trailer donated by the North West University to the Potchefstroom SPCA is now registered in the name of the former Chairman. A cattle trailer worth R53 181.00 was purchased by the Potchefstroom SPCA on 20 October 2015. NSPCA personnel reconciling assets were unable to trace this trailer.

Following complaints lodged by caring members of the public, the NSPCA undertook an inspection of the Potchefstroom SPCA in early December, finding that it had been operating as a “no-kill” animal shelter. To give one example, a dog had been at the SPCA for 3 months, was badly emaciated and its condition had deteriorated whilst in their “care”.

Kennels were overcrowded, some housing up to 7 dogs. This is totally unacceptable, as is the finding that dogs had internal and external parasites.

It is embarrassing and totally unacceptable that a warning had to be issued to the Potchefstroom SPCA in terms of the Animals Protection Act to rectify specified animal welfare issues relating to animals in their care at the SPCA.

A follow-up inspection was undertaken to ensure that the warning had been adhered to, the outcome being that a second warning in terms of the Animals Protection Act was issued.

The staff and Management Committee of the Potchefstroom SPCA claim to be part of the new organisation.

NSPCA personnel made a third visit to the Potchefstroom SPCA to follow up on the warnings and out of concern for the animals. Access was denied and a warrant was obtained to enable NSPCA staff to enter the premises.

Of importance is refuting publicly the statements or claims made by the now Potchefstroom Animal Welfare Society Committee that the Rules of the NSPCA are unacceptable and that the Potchefstroom SPCA was forced to euthanase certain breeds of dog, specifically pit bull terriers. The SPCA movement is governed by Act 169 of 1993 which does prescribe legally enforceable Rules. There is no Rule or policy relating to or forcing SPCAs to euthanase certain types or breeds of dog. It is appalling that the Potchefstroom SPCA euthanased pit bulls and then shifted the responsibility and blamed the National Council of SPCAs for these actions.

The NSPCA is deeply concerned about the homing standards of PAWS. They flouted the SPCA adoption procedures for responsible homing which were Gazetted and form part of Act 169 of 1993 when they were still an SPCA. In some cases it was found that no pre-home inspections were conducted before the animals were homed. This means that animals were released into unknown situations and may be living a life worse than before.

An NSPCA Inspector was informed that the lease agreement for the premises had been changed and that the operation / organisation was now named the Potchefstroom Animal Welfare Society. The lease to the Potchefstroom SPCA had not expired and was therefore not due for renewal or renegotiation. The Tlokwe Municipality carries responsibility in this regard both legally and ethically. If, as it appears, the then Management Committee of the Potchefstroom SPCA negotiated on behalf of a different organisation, this should have been identified as untoward at the outset.

This matter is ongoing and further updates will be issued.