Brakpan SPCA welcomes new chairperson

The Brakpan SPCA has a new chairperson at its helm. Dalview resident Rita Engelbrecht was elected on July 29 and is looking forward to learning more about the role and spending most of her free time at the society.

The 60-year-old self-confessed animal lover, who is a home executive, told the Herald lost, abused and abandoned pets are close to her heart.

Engelbrecht has adopted most of her pets from the SPCA and became more involved after visiting a dog and her puppy at the local society after seeing a story about the pair on social media.

“I saw a post on the Brakpan SPCA’s Facebook page about a female dog and her pup found in the cold and mud, where she had given birth to him,” she said.

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“They needed some cooked food for the mum. I started preparing and giving food and from there I went to visit them once or twice a week, taking food for them, and Bella and her pup became very close to my heart.

“I saw the puppy, now named Max, grow up and luckily he was adopted. Bella is still waiting for her forever home.

“Since then I became more involved at the SPCA and realised I found the place where I feel I belong and would like to help to make a difference in the lives of these poor animals.”

With regards to the committee’s plans, Engelbrecht explained she will fully devote her time to the SPCA and assist in bringing changes that can only benefit the society in the long term.

This includes:
• The book and charity shops operating on a more regular basis.
• Improving the pet corner to offer more products to the public.
• Erecting a memorial wall.
• Revamping the kennels.

Engelbrecht stated that although they already render services like vaccinations, micro-chipping and sterilisations, the SPCA’s biggest dream is to have its own clinic with a vet on-site – something she hopes will be realised during her time as chair.

Combating animal abuse is always a top priority, with Engelbrecht admitting more can always be done.

“We try our best, although we don’t have all the necessary resources. We only have one vehicle, which is in desperate need of attention.

“We are in desperate need of more reliable vehicles to go out to cases, inspections and to go out to the community to educate them on the importance of pet care, sterilisation and the importance of reporting animal abuse,” she said.

As for myths and misconceptions people have about the SPCA regarding its function and role in the community, Engelbrecht shared that most people have the understanding that if they take an animal to the SPCA, it will be euthanised.

“Our main goal is the prevention of cruelty to animals. If a pet is lost or found, we have a seven-day period in which you can claim your animal,” she said.

“Thereafter, the animal becomes the property of the SPCA. We then do our best to network with these animals and find the best forever homes for them. 

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“We are often criticised for not offering more support to owners who can’t afford vets. It is not that we don’t want to, we simply don’t have the funds to pay on behalf of the owner.”

It is common knowledge that the SPCA, not only Brakpan, struggles to stay afloat, and Engelbrecht believes this can be rectified by the public contributing or donating on a more regular basis. Help can be offered in many ways.

“We would like to see Brakpan business owners becoming more involved by sponsoring the SPCA,” she said.

“We have made our wall available for advertising. You can also donate all your left-over building material to us which will help us to upgrade our kennels. You can bring your skills to help us upkeep our vehicle, buildings, garden, kennels and so on.”

The pandemic has also impacted the society’s ability to raise funds.

“We try to generate new ideas that will assist, such as with the bookshop, pet corner and wall, but it stays difficult with everything opposed on us by legislation,” said Engelbrecht.

“From our side, we established a best friend fund where we assist people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic by helping them with food for their animals instead of taking them away.”
Engelbrecht owns four pets.

“I wish I had a farm or something because I would like to save a lot more. I am a great dog lover. They stay man’s best friend. They are so loyal and forgiving and always happy to see you, no matter what you say or do,” she said.

Asked to describe herself, Engelbrecht responded she is loyal and devoted to what she believes.
Former chairperson Sanette Bosman said she will still be involved in the society despite no longer being in the hot seat.

“Being involved in animal welfare becomes a passion and lifestyle. The animals need each and every voice to count. More hands and voices mean a bigger difference in helping them,” she said.

One of her highlights during her time at the helm was the Chairman Challenge. As part of her birthday wish last year, Bosman challenged the community to raise R25 000.

If the target was reached, Bosman would spend 25 hours in one of the kennels at the SPCA – one hour for every R1 000 raised. An astounding R17 000 was raised and Bosman spent 17 hours behind bars.

Asked if she had any words of wisdom for her successor, Bosman replied: “The position can seem overwhelming at times, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t give up and always remember who you are doing this for, the animals.”