Heather Gero sheds light on Newcastle SPCA’s vital work

According to Gero, the SPCA’s mandate is clearly outlined in the SPCA Act and reinforced in the organisation’s constitution, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

By shedding light on the SPCA’s core objectives, Gero aims to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of the important work undertaken by the Newcastle SPCA.

Reiterating the organisation’s core mission, Gero said the SPCA is committed to preventing the ill-treatment of animals by promoting their good treatment by man, monitoring the implementation of laws affecting animals, and making representations to the relevant authorities when necessary.

By fulfilling this mandate, the Newcastle SPCA works tirelessly to ensure a safer, more compassionate environment for the animals in our community.

What does this all mean?

According to Gero, animals have a value beyond simply monetary considerations, and are entitled to legal, moral and ethical considerations and protection.

“The SPCA’s foremost function is to protect and serve animals, by enforcing the Animals Protection Act No.71 of 1962. We also play an important role in society, educating people, especially children, about the rights of all living creatures, advocating for better legal protection for animals and harsher penalties for lawbreakers.”

The SPCA remains available for cruelty cases 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We cover a 150-kilometre radius area around Newcastle. Unfortunately, there are times when we are unable to respond to a call right away because we are already dealing with cruelty cases but we are authorised to refer these calls to other departments for assistance.”

Gero emphasised that the SPCA is not an animal shelter, a rehabilitation centre, or a local pound, nor is it a government institution.

“It’s important to remember that the SPCA isn’t just here to re-home unwanted animals, reunite lost pets with their owners, or collect stray and unwanted animals… This expectation is unrealistic and puts a huge strain on our staff as well as our financial resources, which must be used for anti-cruelty work.”

However, Gero said that if an injured or wounded animal was lost or straying, the SPCA would respond to the situation if and when available.

While the SPCA does everything in its power to promote the welfare of all animals, the organisation is unable to provide financial or other assistance to those in the community, who cannot afford to provide the proper care required to keep an animal.

In times of crisis, the Newcastle SPCA provides a vital lifeline for animals whose owners are unable to afford crucial veterinary care.

By doing so, the SPCA assumes responsibility for finding the animal a new home where it will receive the necessary care and attention, ensuring a second chance at a happy, healthy life.

“We are a non-profit organisation receiving no assistance from the government or the local municipality – we rely solely on the generosity of the community for financial support. We can only be as effective as the support we receive.”

Concluding, Gero reaffirmed the Newcastle SPCA’s enduring mission: to serve and protect all animals, uplift their welfare, and ensure that the rights afforded to them under South African law are upheld and respected.

Through their tireless efforts, the Newcastle SPCA remains a beacon of hope for the voiceless, a champion of compassion, and a guardian of animal welfare in the community

“Help us to help animals, by taking responsibility for your own animals and by supporting the SPCA. We are extremely grateful to those who go above and beyond to assist us, ensuring that our doors remain open. You are God-sent and we dearly appreciate each and every one of you.”

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