JSPCA’s impact amid economic challenges

The economic downturn continues to challenge the JSPCA management and staff, yet they still impact society positively.

The past year was another difficult one for all the NGOs in South Africa, and the JSPCA is no different.

At its recent annual general meeting, the NPO gave feedback on challenges it faced over the last year and some of its incredible achievements, given the economy.

Liana Marx, the public relations and marketing manager at the JSPCA, said: “All South Africans have experienced a cost-of-living increase, and this had a direct impact on organisations like the JSPCA, which rely on sponsorships and donations from the public.

“Many people have also had to surrender their pets because they could no longer afford to take care of them, and, of course, the spike in electricity, food and fuel costs added to the pressure of running our operations.”

However, even given these challenges, Marx said the JSPCA had a strong and dedicated team and faced these obstacles with creativity and dedication to ensure they remained focused on preventing cruelty to all living creatures.

“The JSPCA embarked on several successful outreach programmes. We sterilised 483 animals this last year, at no cost, to those in need. We have also actively engaged with the SAPS, the JMPD, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the environment and health department to undertake initiatives to tackle issues like illegal slaughter, selling of puppies on the side of the road, livestock in the suburbs and more.

“We are grateful for the support of these departments because, working together, we have made a much larger impact.

The JSPCA inspectors also worked tirelessly to attend to complaints, rescue animals and train staff.

“Over the last year, we saw an increase in the number of calls we received after hours across the country. And we give attention to each one. We do not just refer calls to other SPCAs but try to assist with advice. We received 1 389 after-hour calls this past year, and our inspectors went on 872 callouts.

“Of course, fundraising has been a challenge. While our regular donors support us as much as they can, we had to find creative ways to keep the public engaged. To this end, our online pet store is up and running, where the public can buy their pet food online, through us, at competitive rates and receive free delivery,” said Marx.

Marx said they had also partnered with Imagine Earth on their reverse vending machine programme.

“These machines allow the public to place their recycled goods into a vending machine. Any funds they would have received in return for the materials can instead be donated directly to the JSPCA. These efforts, together with our various monthly donation drives, our charity shop and support from the community, really helped us to keep nearly 200 mouths fed monthly.”

Furthermore, the JSPCA’s commitment transcends the immediate cause, extending into the community. Collaborations with Bambanani Abraham Kriel Children’s Home and The Living Link fostered meaningful interactions, emphasising education, job placements, and community upliftment.

“Unfortunately, the year ahead still looks challenging, but we thank all our donors, sponsors and supporters because, without them, we could not achieve our vision of promoting the humane treatment of all animals.

“Every animal that comes to us has a story, one we may never know, but the JSPCA will always offer compassion and kindness,” concluded Marx.

For more information, call the JSPCA on 011 681 3600.