Dundee’s SPCA has been pulled back from the brink of collapse after a crisis meeting on Saturday secured commitments from community members to revive the struggling committee.

Community steps in to save local SPCA

The committee had become ineffective following several resignations, raising fears that the SPCA, which serves Endumeni, Nquthu, Dannhauser and surrounding areas, could be forced to close its doors.

National SPCA liaison officer Marian Channon and lone committee member Byron Pillay, with the assistance of the Courier, appealed to the community to intervene, resulting in Saturday’s emergency meeting.

National SPCA liaison manager Tertia Woest and NSPCA compliance officer Jaimin Patel also attended the gathering.

Around 20 people attended the meeting, where Woest explained that the primary aim was to save the Dundee SPCA before the area became overwhelmed with neglected and stray animals.

“Your local SPCA can only survive through the support of residents within the area it serves,” Woest said.

“We need a minimum of five and a maximum of 10 committee members who will share responsibilities to support our dedicated staff and assist with fundraising, which is extremely important, especially as local and district municipalities provide no financial support.”

Committee members will be expected to approach local businesses and individuals for donations and to help organise fundraising projects.

“The monthly expenses are around R54 000. We have asked the national body to assist with the salary of our qualified inspector, Mel van der Westhuizen, but obviously, this is not an unlimited source of funding,” she added.

Answering questions from the floor, Woest explained that the SPCA’s role includes caring for neglected animals and conducting awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging backyard breeding and promoting sterilisation.

“We only euthanise when absolutely necessary. No staff member wants to do it, but often we have no choice. An animal cannot remain confined to a cage indefinitely,” she said.

Woest also encouraged residents who may not wish to serve on the committee to become involved through the SPCA’s volunteer programme.

Community members, including schoolchildren, are encouraged to assist with SPCA activities and fundraising events.

The meeting ended positively, with enough people volunteering to help revive the committee. Woest said the NSPCA would be in contact with the new volunteers “very soon”.

She thanked everyone who attended and paid tribute to the staff and Byron Pillay for keeping the Dundee SPCA operational during the crisis.

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