Confusion and concern spread across Soshanguve after a post circulating claimed that the Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educenter would begin operating as the Tshwane metro’s municipal animal pound from January 1, a claim the shelter has since firmly dismissed.

The shelter has categorically denied the claims, describing them as misinformation that has caused confusion within the community and posed a potential risk to the organisation’s operations.

According to the shelter, it is not a municipal animal pound, has no contract with the metro to operate as an open-intake facility, and was never consulted, informed or appointed for such a role.

Management further revealed that the shelter’s physical address was used in the circulating post without its knowledge or consent.

Founder of Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educenter, Tebogo Maredi, said the organisation was forced to issue a public notice to protect both the shelter and the community.

“We were shocked to see our name and address being linked to a municipal pound contract that we know nothing about.

“We want to be very clear: Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educenter is not a Tshwane municipal animal pound and will not be operating as one.”

Maredi explained that the shelter is a small, independent animal welfare organisation that assists animals strictly within its limited capacity and mandate.

“We do not have the resources, infrastructure or staffing to function as a municipal pound. An open-intake pound requires significant funding, facilities and systems, which we simply do not have.

“If the public believes we are a pound, animals may be dumped at our gate, which would be devastating for the animals,” he said.

The shelter also clarified confusion surrounding the contract allegedly linked to the municipality.

According to Maredi, the contract in question was awarded to Kago Enterprise, a company with which the shelter has no affiliation.

“We are not affiliated with Kago Enterprise in any way. We are not directors, partners, or representatives of the company, and we do not know the contract, its terms or how it will operate.”

The shelter believes the situation stems from a serious misunderstanding, and has urged members of the public not to share or act on the incorrect post.

“We work hard to serve our community honestly and responsibly. Using our name and address without consent undermines our work and puts unnecessary pressure on a shelter that is already operating under challenging conditions,” he said.

Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educenter remains an independent organisation focused on animal welfare, education and responsible assistance within its means, and not as a municipal service provider.

The shelter has encouraged anyone seeking clarification to contact them directly through their official communication channels and has appealed to the public to verify information before sharing it.

While it appears that that is no designated animal pound for Pretoria, the SPCA is the official organisation dealing with animal welfare in South Africa, and they have two branches in the metro. The Waltloo branch can be contacted on 012 803 5219 and the Centurion branch can be reached on 012 664 5644.

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