Procedure to call a special general meeting at the SPCA

It was understood that a request for a SGM was submitted and signed by 15 pre-annual general meeting (AGM) members, to which they did not receive a response.

The Benoni SPCA’s AGM was held at the beginning of this month, during which allegations of mismanagement, cruelty to animals and fraud were made by members of the association and members of the public.

Maggie Mudd, NSPCA society liaison unit inspector, said in order to call a SGM, 15 “voting” members of the SPCA must participate in following the correct procedure.

She said it appeared that there was a lack of clarity regarding the agenda for an AGM, submission for application for election and the nomination process.

“A condition of membership is knowledge of the SPCA’s constitution, statement of policy and NSPCA rules, by which members are bound,” she explained.

“Constitutions have been forwarded to members who have requested it and who will now have the necessary knowledge should they wish to requisition a meeting for a specific purpose within the competence of the meeting.”

She added that members who are nominated in accordance with the SPCA constitution, which can be up to a maximum of 10 members, are duly elected by the membership.

“Should more than 10 members be nominated, the election would go to the vote, but this did not arise,” she said.

“The elected officials have the right to co-opt members at their discretion, to fill vacant seats, but they are not obliged to.”

Mudd further explained that, should members not be satisfied with the management of the SPCA, they should offer themselves for election at an AGM and, should eligible members nominate them for a position in accordance with the SPCA constitution, they would be elected according to the above procedure.

“There is no objection or vote of no confidence procedure, except in terms of the procedure itself,” she said.

Mudd added that, due to the committee being duly elected, there would not be a vote of no confidence, as there is a new committee.

It was brought to light that the Benoni SPCA did not maintain a euthanasia register for four years, until three months prior to the association’s AGM.

Mudd said a euthanasia register is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the supervising vet, who checks and signs it.

She added that there may be some confusion between endorsing whether an animal is either euthanased, adopted or claimed and the register where the issuing of drugs is recorded and the quantity that is used, adding that this varies depending on the size of the animal.

“Investigations are ongoing and appropriate action in accordance with the SPCA Act, rules and constitution is being ensured,” she said.

On being informed that a large number of members had been lost by the society, the City Times asked how many members of the SPCA have either resigned, were suspended, or dismissed within this year.

Mudd confirmed that one staff member has resigned and that another was dismissed, and said new staff members are being interviewed to fill these posts.

She said membership may elect an entire new committee at an AGM or vote on new members at its discretion.

It was understood that committee members may resign at any time and that, on occasion, entire committees may resign.

“The NSPCA may also appoint committee members or disband committees should they fail to comply with the SPCA Act and rules when called on to do so, or should there be insufficient committee members – there must be a minimum of five,” she said.

She added that a committee may decline an application for membership at its discretion.

In conclusion, Mudd said: “As stated previously, it is felt that the time now is to move forward with the Benoni SPCA and to remember why the SPCA exists: for the prevention of cruelty to animals.”