Local SPCA manager steps down at AGM

KEMPTON SPCA will be getting a new manager soon, as manageress Melissa Bailey said her last goodbyes to the organisation on Saturday, July 25.

She will be continuing her work with animals at another animal care centre where she will be more hands-on and involved with the medical care of the animals. She also wants to further her studies in animal behaviour.

Bailey, who started working with the Kempton Park SPCA in October 2013, was present at the SPCA’s annual general meeting, where a report on the past year was presented by the committee.

A few ups and downs that were experienced by the organisation in the past year were highlighted, including an increase in the number of animals being taken in by the society and a new bakkie that was bought by the SPCA to help with the organisation’s daily running.

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“As SPCA, we are not allowed to turn any animal away, we have to accept each and every poor soul that is handed into our branch. And as a result, the SPCA is running out or space and out of funds,” Ernestine Strini, SPCA chairperson, said.

Reasons for the rise in animals being taken in by the SPCA vary but include financial reasons when many pet owners become unemployed and therefore can’t afford to care for their animals anymore.

One of the biggest issues are owners who don’t sterilise their pets. This results in unwanted litters of puppies and kittens being dropped off at the SPCA.

Also on the rise is backyard breeding, where people breed lots of pets which they sell for a quick buck.

“All of these issues are putting stress onto staff members and also depleting the coffers even more.”

The report wasn’t all doom and gloom though, as the SPCA managed to buy a new Chevy Utility bakkie to help with daily operations, which was bought with a good discount offered by the dealership and extras such as rubberising and a donated canopy.

“With our treasurer, Mandy Rogers, running a tight ship when it comes to finances and expenses and by turning every cent over five times before spending it, we were in the fortunate position that we had enough funds to invest in a new bakkie. The donations towards the purchase also helped as did the kindness of the dealer in giving us good pricing.”

Social media has also played a huge part in marketing the SPCA and bringing the different branches closer together.

“Facebook has proven its worth over and over. Be it for using it to request donations from the public and companies, raising funds or for finding new homes for cats and dogs. It has really helped us a lot. SPCA branches seem to work together much better now, one of the reasons is that all animals of all areas/societies get shown on social media and are allowed to be adopted out of their area.”

All committee members that were present at the meeting were available for re-election and will serve on the board again.

The following changes took place: Carol Smith stepped down as vice chairperson and the position will be filled by Roelof Badenhorst and Natalie de Villiers was elected as a new committee member.