Following the front page article of the Middelburg Observer’s edition for May 30, a press release was issued by the SPCA’s national office to confirm that the Middelburg SPCA is facing a financial crisis, which could result in the suspension of its services without help.

The statement reads as follows:

The Middelburg SPCA, the only registered animal pound and welfare inspectorate serving the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, is facing a critical financial crisis that threatens to halt our lifesaving work to leave thousands of animals without protection or care.

As the only registered animal pound and welfare inspectorate in the municipality, we are legally mandated to enforce the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the SPCA Act 169 of 1993. Yet despite our essential role, we have not received the R800 000 municipal grant owed to us by the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

With only R240 000 currently in our bank account and monthly expenses exceeding R125 000, our operations are no longer sustainable. Unless urgent support is received, we may be forced to scale back or suspend the following critical services:

• Animal cruelty investigations and law enforcement support.

• Stray and abandoned animal intake and impoundment.

• Veterinary care and sterilisation.

• Emergency rescues and community outreach.

Every single animal in distress within Steve Tshwete’s borders depends on the Middelburg SPCA. If we close, there are no alternatives.

We now appeal to individuals, businesses and corporates to help us remain operational. Your donation, no matter the size, can save lives and ensure that no animal in our community is left to suffer.

• The Middelburg Observer previously reported that the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality initially budgeted for an annual grant of R1 862 795, but due to financial constraints, only R1m of the grant was paid to the Middelburg SPCA, leaving a shortfall of R862 795.

Upon the DA’s request to revaluate the payment of the outstanding amount during the budget adjustment process in last month’s council sitting, payment of the shortfall was voted against by the ANC and EFF, while the DA and VF+ voted for the payment and the MHRF abstained from voting.

The shortfall will not be paid out due to continued financial restrictions and the vote.

Should anyone wish to make financial donations toward the Middelburg SPCA, the organisation’s banking details can be found on the Middelburg SPCA Facebook page.

Alternatively, the Middelburg SPCA can be contacted on 013 246 1201 or the Manager, Petro Oberholzer at 082 828 4539.