Although it was poorly attended, a new committee was put in place, which mainly comprised members James van Dyk, Johann Venter, Sharlene van Zyl, Marlies Liebenberg and Ellouise Nel.

With Susan van Engelenhoven relocating to the Netherlands and the resignation of the outgoing chairman, Laura-Jane Harrod, Ronnie van der Merwe and Sharon Drake stepped up to the plate, and were voted in to join the committee.

Harrod thanked the community for its support, with a special mention of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) for its R693 000 funding for the year.

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The funding enabled the committee to purchase a new vehicle, and helped cover many of their overhead expenditures including salaries, veterinary expenses, uniforms and sundries.

Harrod said the charity shop’s relocation to Crown Street has been beneficial to the society.
“In spite of fund-raising activities, the society’s own funding would have been inadequate to cover all costs. The NLC’s funding has allowed the SPCA to continue their service to the community, where assistance is given as far as Komatipoort, Badplaas and Oshoek,” she said.

The society received a clean audit report for the 2016/17 financial year. An appeal was made to the community to join the SPCA as members at R100 per year, which is about R8 per month.

The local SPCA currently has three dogs as paid-up members. This is the only society in the country to have initiated this category, which was started by Astrid Christianson, who enrolled her dog Miss Olive.

Enquiries: Marlies Liebenberg on 083-897-3292.