Animal Shelter hopes to increase community support

Estcourt Golf Club was the venue of the Estcourt Animal Shelter’s annual general meeting. Less than 10 people took their seats as chairman Dr Delon Alwar and public relations officer Candice Hunter-Smith called the meeting to order.

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Dr Alwar started with the chairman’s report for the period July 1, 2018, to July 25, 2019, and explained the role of the animal shelter.

“It is a non-governmental organisation for abandoned cats and dogs, where they are kept in a safe environment until they find a home or are collected,” he stated.

Dr Alwar thanked the community for the donations of mattresses, fuel, cat and dog food, fund-raising events and time.  According to the statistics, 365 dogs and 235 cats have been surrendered during the past year; Dr Alwar called this a “ridiculous amount”.

31 stray dogs and 33 stray cats were removed from the streets, 56 dogs and 20 cats were adopted, and sadly, 342 dogs and 218 cats were euthanised.  As far as adoption prices are concerned, Dr Alwar mentioned that the Estcourt Animal Shelter is the cheapest.

R500 is charged per animal, which includes the first vaccination and sterilisation.  In conclusion, the chairman pleaded for more community involvement in the day-to-day running of the kennels.

The financials were summarised by Graham Moor, which indicated that R10,000 was in the bank. Additional funds included personal donations from individuals.  Monthly expenses included labour (R12,000), vet (R3000 to R5000) and electricity and water (R2000).

Mr Moor was pleased to announce that the shelter was not paying for animal food – all is donated – which he called a “massive saving”.

“We have a clean bill of health, accounting wise,” he concluded.

A committee of seven people was nominated.  Before the meeting concluded, ideas for fund-raising events were brainstormed and these included a jumble sale, golf day, dog walk and colouring-in competition.

Remember that the Estcourt Animal Shelter is a community-driven organisation and relies on the generosity of the public to continue functioning.

If you can assist with cash donations, the bank details are: Estcourt Animal Shelter, Nedbank Ltd – Estcourt, current account, account number 1110717865, branch code 134925.

Donations of food can be dropped off at the kennels in Kemps Road or the trolleys at Spar and Pick ‘n Pay.

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