Midrand SPCA envisions a cruelty-free environment for all animals in 2025

Their focus remains on promoting responsible pet ownership, increasing sterilisations to combat animal overpopulation, and raising necessary funds for operational costs and critical maintenance of the facilities.

December 23, 2024

Comfort Makhanya 2 minutes read

Midrand SPCA staff wishes the community a happy festive season.

This year has been particularly challenging for the Midrand SPCA, facing financial difficulties and a rise in cases of cruelty, stray animals, and surrenders.

Despite these obstacles, chairperson Brenda Lucas expressed gratitude that the society remains operational and continues to advocate for voiceless animals.

Highlights of the year include successful community outreach initiatives that provided free sterilisations to more animals and their owners.

“One of the biggest highlights this year was some of our most daring rescues including the rescue of a Nile monitor (now named Shorty) who was the largest monitor we have ever rescued, reaching a length of 1.8m and weighing a staggering 18kg, and a heart-stopping rescue of a dog on the N1 highway,” Lucas said.

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The SPCA also acquired new vehicles that enhanced their ability to reach animals and communities in need. They completed essential projects at their premises and conducted necessary repairs and maintenance, thanks to generous public donations.

The SPCA is proud of its staff and small inspectorate teamwork, who have positively impacted countless animals in the first six months of the SPCA financial year, from April 1 to September 30.

“The society collected 609 unwanted animals, sterilised 192 cats and dogs, treated 514 in our clinic, took in 362 stray animals, and 971 animals were surrendered into our care.”

Inspectors addressed 158 cruelty complaints and conducted 153 follow-up inspections, issuing 179 warnings and responding to 95 after-hours emergencies. They also performed 47 proactive inspections at various facilities, inspecting 12 979 animals.

Looking ahead to 2025, the SPCA hopes for a cruelty-free year and encourages public support.

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“We are the only organisation in Midrand mandated by the Animals Protection Act to enforce animal welfare laws for all animals, not just domesticated ones. We rely on public support to continue this vital work.”

Midrand SPCA inspector Jerry Seemise after a heart-stopping rescue of a dog on N1 Highway.

Next year, they aim to promote responsible pet ownership and increase sterilisations to combat animal overpopulation, which leads to neglect and abuse. They also seek to raise sufficient funds for operational costs and complete long-overdue maintenance in their farmyard.

Lucas acknowledged the countless donors and supporters who helped the society through this year, expressing deep gratitude to individuals, organisations, schools, community members, and volunteers. “Without your support, we could not fulfill our crucial mission for the animals of Midrand and Midstream.”

Special thanks were also given to general manager inspector Pam Pretorius for her dedication to the Midrand SPCA.

Lucas emphasised the critical role of the inspectors, stating, “The core function of our SPCA rests on your shoulders, and we appreciate your unwavering commitment to animal welfare. To all our staff, thank you for another year of hard work and passion for the animals.”

In the words of Nick Lowes, Pretorius remarked: ‘’It is in unity that we find strength, in unity we find hope, and in unity we can stand firm as darkness approaches…”

The society wishes all supporters and staff a happy festive season, and for those travelling ‘we wish you a safe journey and look forward to a cruelty-free 2025’.