New faces at Dolphin Coast SPCA

The Dolphin Coast SPCA has gone through a difficult time of late, with the dismissal of two long time employees and questions being asked by the public.

In light of this, two new faces have been appointed for the Dolphin Coast sub-branch of the Durban and Coast SPCA.

Candice Sadayan (senior inspector) and Krystal Pretorius (controller) have stepped in to keep the local branch going and have assured locals that the SPCA is open and running.

“The Durban and Coast SPCA is pleased to advise the Ballito community that the Dolphin Coast satellite branch is once again fully operational,” said general manager Caroline Smith.

Management at the Durban and Coast SPCA had previously confirmed that two staff members had been dismissed, however they would not go into details.

Debbie Filmalter, the dismissed inspector, also did not want to discuss the dismissals, though she has been on the receiving end of an outpouring of support from the community.

Smith said following the dismissals, they immediately put measures in place to ensure the SPCA’s inspectorate services to the community went uninterrupted.

“This involved inspectors from head office carrying out cruelty inspections in the area and our dedicated field officer Nathi Ngisu has seamlessly carried out rescues and collections of animals.”

Smith said it had been temporarily necessary to transfer animals to their Springfield facilities, but these operations have since reverted back to Ballito.

As of Monday, said Smith, it was business as usual with the new SPCA controller Krystal Pretorius overseeing adoptions, administration and kennel management. Together with Ngisu and Sadayan she will work towards ensuring that all reports are responded to swiftly.

Despite concerns from the community, there are still animals at the Dolphin Coast satellite branch and the famous yard cats are being looked after. Some renovations are also taking place, but nothing is being permanently demolished.

Marketing manager Tanya Fleischer also explained that the Dolphin and Coast SPCA Facebook page was down so that they could merge it with the Durban page, not in an attempt to hide anything.

She added that the removal of the collection bin at Pick ‘n Pay had been due to a misunderstanding that the branch would be closing and said they were in discussions to have it returned.

“We would like to reassure the local community of our steadfast commitment to the welfare of animals on the Dolphin Coast.

“We rely entirely on your support in order to continue these services and appeal for your continued assistance and contributions,” said Smith.

The organisation encouraged the public to visit the branch to see first-hand the work that is being undertaken.

The Dolphin and Coast SPCA satellite branch is open from 9am-3pm, call them at 087 550 0512 during business hours or 083 212 6103 after hours.

Viewing Ballito’s golden stretch of beautiful beaches has never been easier. Click HERE for LIVE footage from four prominent positions on the Dolphin Coast.

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