Hoax post claims neighbouring SPCA is closing down

AN alarmist social media post went viral the past few days claiming Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA was on the verge of closing.

“As a result, our phone lines, email and social media channels were flooded by concerned supporters, making it difficult for our staff to respond to everyone, thus compounding the concern,” said Elroy Parkinson, chairperson of Germiston & Bedfordview SPCA.

“The management of the society was not responsible for this post and we distance ourselves from its content. We are not in imminent danger of closing.“

The post also reached various groups in Kempton Park.

“The post falsely claimed that 250 cats, dogs, birds, hamsters and horses in our kennels would be euthanised. We only have dogs and cats in our kennels and do not adopt out any of the other animals mentioned. The post also falsely claimed that animals at other affiliated rescue organisations were at risk of being euthanised should we close.

“We are not affiliated with any of the other organisations mentioned in the post, including Puppy and Kittie Haven and Service Dogs Retirements Haven – they are independent organisations.

“While the society is not in immediate danger of closing, we are indeed struggling financially, like many other SPCAs and independent rescue organisations. We released a media statement earlier in May explaining our financial situation, specifically that we only have enough savings to sustain our current monthly deficit for another year unless drastic action is taken.

“The social media post also falls into a common misconception and completely understates the importance of the work the SPCA does: we do not only help the animals currently in our kennels. Through our inspectorate work we follow up dozens of animal cruelty complaints every month, either helping owners improve the condition of animals involved, or prosecuting offenders under the Animals Protection Act,” Parkinson said.

“Through our proactive inspections, we help hundreds more animals every month. We also sterilise 80 to 120 dogs and cats every month and take in around 500 stray and unwanted animals, mostly dogs and cats, that would be left roaming the streets, breeding uncontrollably and worsening the already serious problem of companion animal overpopulation in the Greater Germiston area. In total we help as many as 1 000 animals every single month.

“Germiston & Bedfordview SPCA’s management is determined to keep the doors open and we are committed to sound financial management, but we are completely dependent on the generosity of the public to keep doing this important work without having to scale down on the barely adequate services we provide. “We urge members of the public to get involved with their local SPCA, understand their needs and join a community of volunteers and donors working to prevent cruelty and make the world a kinder place for all animals.”