The annual general meeting of the SPCA Nelspruit took place on Thursday July 25.

The organisation’s chairperson, Lize Pienaar, addressed the public on their current financial issues as well as some other challenges that will continue to hinder their service delivery in Mbombela.

The SPCA Nelspruit has been kept above water by sponsorships from businesses in the community, as well as their own fundraising efforts and especially through its charity shop in the Sonpark Centre. Pienaar notes that apart from this lack of funds, there are also several other challenges the SPCA will continue to face in this fiscal year.

They do not have enough field staff to cover their operation area, adopted animals are not being sterilised as per their sterilisation contract and they cannot afford to update old facilities.

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This year, the SPCA Nelspruit has admitted 3 314 animals that were strays or surrenders.

Forty-eight of the stray animals were claimed by their owners. One-hundred-and-sixteen pre-home checks were conducted to ensure the animals are placed in suitable homes, as well as 51 post-home checks to make sure the animals’ welfare had not been compromised after adoption.

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Over 200 animals have been sterilised. The SPCA Nelspruit further investigated 115 animal cruelty complaints. This branch is responsible for 33 routine inspection points and conducted 93 routine inspections.

The well-being of more than 200 000 animals was inspected. The SPCA has also educated the community through various campaigns and outreaches.

The conclusion of their meeting saw the re-election of their committee, including Pienaar as chairperson, Monique Nortje as vice-chair, Anmari Jones as maintenance, Elzete Davel for fundraising, Keri Wilson as committee secretary and Jason Blockley for human resources.

They said they do not plan on stopping with their mission to prevent animal cruelty anytime soon.

“The committee and staff of the SPCA Nelspruit are committed to provide the best possible service to the animals in our communities, and those beyond our operational boundaries should they be in need. Our motto is that we assist, no matter where or when,” said Pienaar.