The Steve Tshwete Council has approved a R1m donation to the Middelburg SPCA, on which it relies as the municipality does not have its own animal pound.

The Observer reported last week on thousands of abandoned animals that end up in its kennels each year, where they can only be kept for a limited period before euthanasia becomes inevitable.

High euthanasia rates

According to its 2025/26 annual report, the SPCA kennelled more than 3 000 animals, mostly cats and dogs. A total of 1 108 cats and 1 043 dogs had to be put down.

Spaying and euthanasia both cost money and are carried out by private veterinarians and state veterinary services.

Cruelty investigations conducted

The SPCA handled 1 027 cruelty investigations during the past financial year, addressing the welfare of 126 832 animals, including exotic pets, poultry, cattle, pigs and sheep.

The SPCA succeeded in one prosecution of a local man who was found guilty of animal cruelty for slashing a dog’s neck. The report did not contain details of the prosecution.

Hundreds of on-site investigations were also conducted, including one at a circus, petting zoos, farms, animal auctions and slaughterhouses.

Community support essential

Apart from the R1m donation from the municipality, the SPCA is dependent on financial support from the community. The municipality expects detailed audits of fund distributions in return for the donation.