Newcastle SPCA to remain closed during Stage 4 of the national lockdown

The Newcastle SPCA will remain closed during Stage 4 of the national lockdown.

April 28, 2020

Zaria Van Dillen 2 minutes read

The Newcastle SPCA’s doors shall remain closed to the public as the country moves from Stage 5 to 4 of the national lockdown as of May 1.

Spokesperson of the society, Heather Gero said: ” The SPCA will remain closed to the public as we are all in lock down, but we are still operating in terms of animal cruelty cases.”

Gero went on to explain many residents are still showing up to the front door of the facility with inquiries.

”Many community members are still coming to the SPCA wanting to access the parlor and adoptions. Unfortunately due to the current circumstances with the Covid-19 pandemic those areas in our facility are closed, as majority of our staff members are not allowed to come to work.”

Gero urges residents to understand the actions and duties which the SPCA had carried out before the national lockdown can no longer be performed due to current restrictions.

”Legally, we cannot carry out what we previously did and this includes the grooming parlour and adoptions. Regarding boarding of animals and surrenders, the SPCA will continue to assess each individual’s circumstances and the Inspector, Suveshin Naidoo will assist accordingly as he is always on standby for emergencies,” explained Gero.

The Newcastle SPCA currently faces financial strain due to the lockdown, as the organisation does not have a direct flow of income.

”As a society we are struggling with finances. We are trying our very best to ensure all our staff members receive a salary during this challenging time, but many obstacles lay before us. This includes the process of claiming UIF (Unemployment Equity Fund). We have managed to pay our water and lights bill and our telephone line but we have to also ensure the grounds are maintained and our food supply for the animals does not run short,” added Gerro.

The SPCA team encourages all community members to stay safe and practice patience during this trying time.

”We would like to send a message out to the residents of Newcastle, to stay safe and continue to act responsibly. Seeing as we are all at home this is also the perfect opportunity to bond with our beloved pets,” said Gero.