Brakpan SPCA temporarily closes amid tough challenges
Urgent community support is needed.
This week saw the temporary closure of the Brakpan SPCA following numerous challenges that have placed immense pressure on the society’s operations.
Faced with issues regarding staffing, vehicles, as well as emotional challenges, the SPCA is now, more than ever, in need of the community’s support.
Manager Tamaryn Lombard told the Brakpan Herald the transition into the new year has not been an easy one.
“Our team size, which stood at 11 members, has dropped to just eight, leaving a significant gap in our ability to meet the community’s needs,” she said.
“Compounding the staffing challenges are our vehicle troubles. The Brakpan SPCA relies on two vehicles, a bakkie and a small Ford Figo.”
Both are essential for daily operations, often running from early morning until late at night.
“Unfortunately, our trusty Bantam bakkie faced a major setback when its engine seized,” continued Lombard.
“While we were fortunate to receive help from an anonymous donor and LSD Auto to get the vehicle back on the road, further issues arose when an impossible-to-source critical part caused additional delays.
“During this time, our Figo also developed problems. What initially seemed like a minor pulley issue escalated into costly fuel injector and turbo repairs.
“Despite these challenges, the Figo is back on the road and doing its best to support our operations.”
To bridge the gap, staff used their private vehicles, and loan vehicles were secured for short periods.
This, however, placed significant strain on both the team and committee members.
The challenges have not stopped at staffing and vehicles.
“January brought further heartbreak as our goats were stolen, leaving our team devastated and vulnerable,” said Lombard.
As reported in the Herald’s January 17 edition, staff were horrified when they discovered that two resident goats, along with a stray goat recently brought to the pound, had been stolen from the premises during the evening of January 12.
Hennie, a sterilised male, had been at the SPCA for about four years. He was taken with the female Kiara, and the stray.
The animals were much loved by the staff and brought joy to everyone who visited the SPCA.
Read: Beloved goats stolen in Brakpan SPCA break-in
In addition to this saddening loss, the thieves gained entry by breaking a section of the concrete boundary wall, creating a safety risk.
“These incidents, coupled with the overwhelming workload, have taken a toll on our ability to serve the community and protect the animals in our care,” said Lombard.
“To address these issues, we have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily close our office and pound to the public.
“Additionally, all services we offer, including vaccinations, dipping, sterilisations, and more, will be suspended until further notice.
“For those who are part of our SteriPlan or are in the middle of a vaccination schedule, please contact us to arrange a booking.
“Unfortunately, no walk-ins will be accepted during this time.”
This pause will allow the SPCA to train new office staff, upskill the kennel staff, and ensure the inspectors can focus on their primary mandate, which is the prevention of animal cruelty.
The doors being temporarily closed does not diminish any of the SPCA’s needs, and a call has been made for members of the public to assist.
The society is urgently in need of:
• Pet food: Dry food for cats, kittens, puppies and dogs, as well as tinned food.
• Supplies for Drew the bull: Teff bales (grass bales) and pellets to maintain his weight.
• Office essentials: Toilet paper, milk, coffee, sugar and other basics.
• Maintenance assistance: Repairs to kennels, securing the boundary walls and replacing gate motors.
“Despite feeling like every step forward is met with ten steps back, we are determined to regroup, rebuild, and better serve the community and animals, to reopen our adoptions fully and to get back to inviting the community with open arms to our facilities,” said Lombard.
“The Brakpan SPCA cannot function without your support. Every donation, whether monetary or in-kind, makes a difference.
“Together, we can overcome these challenges and continue our vital work in protecting and caring for animals.”
Looking at the positives, Lombard shared the SPCA had a successful 2024 in terms of fundraising, which brought much-needed financial relief to various areas of the organisation.
“One of our notable successes has been the Bargain Barkers Thrift Store, which has exceeded expectations,” she said.
“We are thrilled to announce that its lease has been extended until the end of February, and we are currently in discussions with Mall@Carnival to determine the store’s future.”
To assist the Brakpan SPCA in any way, contact the society via email at manager@brakpanspca.co.za or info@brakpanspca.co.za
“Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us, and to the animals who depend on us,” Lombard concluded.
