Locals rally to support the SPCA animals

LAST week’s ZO article about Richards Bay SPCA’s food crisis led to an outpouring of compassion from the community, with many stepping up and pledging their support to help keep the organisation afloat.

By the end of the day on Thursday, close on R23 000 had been deposited into the SPCA’s bank account, from all those wanting to help alleviate their financial burden, and by Friday morning Pick n Pay Meerensee had collected two trolleys full of food.

The Pick n Pay collection bin has, since July last year, been a permanent feature in the store and was initiated by Store Manager Nico Liebbrandt.

The store remains a food collection point and Ayanda Dladla, Assistant Store Manager, has arranged a collection bin for Pick n Pay at Boardwalk Inkwazi, which should be operational imminently.

Other Richards Bay businesses have also pledged their support, including Salon Images whose staff are donating R10 from every cut and blow dry, and full set of nails, to the SPCA. ‘When I read the story, I realised how bad the situation was and had to do something to help,’said Chantelle Bower of Salon Images who initiated the salon’s SPCA drive.

The company is also a drop-off point for food donations. Similarly, Anna Muis Nursery School is a drop-off point for food donations, as are the ZO offices in both Richards Bay and Empangeni.

Talisman Hire also donated food, as did many individual community members.

Grace period

All these donations mean the Richards Bay SPCA has enough food now for about three weeks. ‘Apart from all the donations, both food and money, we have also had a great response from people who want to start food drives,’ said Sarel Small, Richards Bay SPCA Chairman.

The SPCA’s food and financial crises is not limited to Richards Bay, as the Empangeni SPCA is also desperate for support.

‘While food donations are obviously part of what we need in order for the SPCA to function, funds towards our running costs are just as important,’ said Cheryl Whittaker, Chairlady – Kennel Liaison, Empangeni SPCA.

‘Fuel, vehicle wear-and-tear, costs of medication, salaries, and veterinary services all contribute to our high running costs and the last time we received municipal funding was in 2015.

’ Whittaker also said many people who need their animals to be picked up by the SPCA complain about being charged a pick-up fee, or those whose animals are found on the streets and taken to the SPCA complain about being charged a boarding fee upon collection.

‘We could not operate if we did not charge these fees,’ said Whittaker who also went into detail about the Empangeni SPCA’s outreach programme which sees staff travelling far and wide to supply services to rural areas.

While SPCA staff are incredibly grateful for the generous food donations, there are many puppies and kittens in their care that can eat only soft food or puppy and kitten food. So those who wish to donate are asked to please donate puppy or kitten food, or soft food.

How to donate In the meantime, people wishing to donate money to either Empangeni or Richards Bay SPCA can do so by using the following bank details:

• Richards Bay SPCA, Nedbank, branch code 130230, account number 1302024825.

• Empangeni SPCA, First National Bank, branch code 220130, account name ZSPCA, account number 52166099097.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer