In a powerful show of commitment to animal welfare, the Brakpan SPCA last week successfully completed an initial operation in Plastic City.

This follows a fire in the informal settlement, which not only affected people but also the animals that lived in the area.

According to the Brakpan SPCA, the success of this multi-disciplinary operation was made possible through the invaluable support and leadership of Secure-Tech Security, who not only ensured the team’s safety but also rallied more members from A-TAC, who came prepared with a medic.

They were further supported by Brakpan SAPS, who provided essential assistance with matters requiring the presence of law enforcement. The spirit of collaboration extended beyond local security.

Staff from other SPCAs within the Ekurhuleni district and the NSPCA responded to the call for assistance, transforming the local team of four to a formidable force of 20 dedicated and well-educated animal welfare professionals.

This combined effort was crucial for an area of such concern and scale as Plastic City. The team entered the settlement on September 10 and covered a massive area on foot, allowing them to thoroughly assess the situation on the ground.

During this initial operation, they successfully took in 23 animals that were found to be abandoned and compromised. They also investigated the welfare of numerous other animals, including both companion animals and livestock, and have located them for future follow-up inspections.

The approach on this occasion was firmly rooted in outreach, and the primary goal was to establish relationships with the animal owners, appealing to them to voluntarily surrender their animals or to provide them with the necessary education on proper animal care.

The SPCA understands the difficult circumstances in which both people and animals live in Plastic City, and that the approach must be made with care and compassion.

This method is designed to ensure that the SPCA can continue to go in to assist animals, rather than simply rescuing them only to have them replaced again and again.

Until a long-term solution to the challenges of Plastic City is found by local government, the Brakpan SPCA remains steadfast in their commitment to assisting the animals within the area as and when needed.

The SPCA will continue to work closely with local law enforcement and government on any future plans to assist with the animals’ needs.

The Brakpan SPCA has been assisting with matters regarding animals in Plastic City for years, treating the area with the same dedication as any other informal settlement.

The public is urged to continue to notify the SPCA if they see any compromised animals as they travel through the area. The Brakpan SPCA extended gratitude to Secure Tech Security for making safety a top priority, and to A-TAC for their vital support.

They also thanked the Nigel, Benoni, Boksburg, Alberton, Heidelberg, Germiston and Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Kempton Park SPCAs, and the NSPCA for their readiness to assist, and stated the collective effort made a challenging job a little easier.

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