Bedfordview SPCA provides care to more than 100 animals

The Germiston Bedfordview SPCA’s recent community outreach in Moleleki Ext 2, Katlehong, brought much-needed relief to animals and pet owners.

The outreach, made possible through the support of SkyJacks, assisted 117 animals.

Four animals were taken for sterilisation, highlighting the ongoing need to promote responsible pet ownership and sterilisation in communities.

During the outreach, the SPCA team provided food donations, collars, leashes and blankets to help animals and their owners prepare for the colder winter months.

Primary animal healthcare services were also offered.

These included rabies vaccinations for all animals attended to, as well as essential vaccinations for dogs and cats.

Chains were exchanged for collars and leashes to improve animal welfare.

The SPCA commended SkyJacks for making the outreach possible through its sponsorship and support of sterilisations and veterinarians from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for their assistance on the day, as well as Germiston Veterinary Hospital for assisting with discounted sterilisations.

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The SPCA said preventative outreach programmes play a vital role in improving animal welfare and reducing the number of animals that arrive at the society in poor health or distress.

The organisation also expressed gratitude to community members and businesses that continue to support its work.

Daryl from Daryl Sogot Plumbing

Daryl Sogot Plumbing was also commended for repairing one of the SPCA’s geysers free of charge after the society reached out for assistance.

The SPCA said every rand saved on maintenance and repairs can be directed back into caring for animals that depend on the organisation.

The society also commended Carlos from Nelo Performance – Motor Services and Viswa Williams from AVS East London after one of its NP200 bakkies suffered engine failure.

Roxanne Bredenkamp, The Germiston Bedfordview SPCA admin and support manager, said that being without a vehicle affects their ability to respond to cruelty complaints, rescue animals in distress and transport animals daily.

A brand-new engine was donated by Viswa Williams and the AVS East London team, while Carlos fitted the engine without charging the SPCA.

The organisation said the support ensured the vehicle could return to the road and continue assisting animals in need.

In another incident, a SPCA receptionist spotted a bakkie loaded with chickens while on her way to work on June 2.

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The vehicle passed near the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA premises, and Refiloe, the receptionist, immediately alerted staff.

According to the SPCA, more than 100 chickens were packed into the back of the bakkie, many of them in poor condition.

When questioned, the driver allegedly sped off into a nearby informal settlement.

Inspector Gift and trainee inspector Remofilwe followed the vehicle, where they were met with resistance and aggression.

The SPCA said assistance was requested from Primrose CPF, after which backup was deployed.

The organisation commends Graphite Security, SOG Security, DK Investigations and CPF patrollers for their swift response and support. With their assistance, the driver and the chickens were safely escorted back to the SPCA, where the animals could receive urgent attention.

The SPCA said its inspectorate continues to stand on the frontline for animals, often facing difficult and dangerous situations.

The society has also appealed to the public to support its charity shop, saying its shelves are running low.

Items sold through the charity shop help generate income to support the animals in the SPCA’s care.

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Bredenkamp said donations have slowed due to rising fuel costs and financial pressure on households, but second-hand goods remain an important source of funding for its monthly operations.

Members of the public are encouraged to donate unwanted items that are in good, clean and working condition, including furniture, clothing, linen, bedding, household goods, appliances, books, toys and décor items.

Donations can be dropped off at 12 Junction Road, Driehoek, Germiston. For larger items, collection may be arranged by contacting the SPCA on 011 825 5033 or emailing reception@gbvspca.co.za.

The SPCA said donated items could help provide food, veterinary care, shelter and a second chance for animals in need.