If no help arrives by the end of May, the Highveld Ridge SPCA will close down

HIGHVELD – The very last drop of the Highveld Ridge SPCA’s money has now dried up and unless something drastic happens to their finances, this animal welfare society will have to close its doors.

Ms Willemien Steyn, chairman of the Highveld Ridge SPCA, said on Friday, 18 May this is their last plea for help to enable them to continue their work throughout the area.

“We can only last until the end of the month.”The Highveld Ridge SPCA’s operations include the offices at Evander, Bethal, Standerton and Kriel and they cover a large area of about 1 700 square kilometers.

They respond to any animals in need, often attend to accident scenes, sale yards, farms and informal settlements, working with cattle, smaller livestock, horses, indigenous animals and birds, as well as all household pets and smaller domesticated animals.

Ms Steyn said there is no other organisation at this time that is able to continue to render help to animals in the area.

“We deal with animal abuse cases daily. Who will enforce the law if the SPCA closes down?”

According to Ms Steyn, the society spent a lot of their cash reserves to replace buildings, tools and stock that were lost in a devastating fire in 2016.

“At this moment we do not have enough reserves to cover May’s running costs.

“We have also had to discuss the option of letting staff go and greatly reducing our area of operation.

“The reality is that there are only two inspectors for the entire area that encompasses about 20 towns and many villages.”

Between the SPCAs there are nine kennel hands/caregivers, a telephonist and an administrator. They deal with about 60 cruelty investigations per month and nearly 400 homeless, abandoned, donated or stray animals per month.

“We do not collect stray animals, but you are welcome to bring them in to the kennels, we never refuse admission to any animal.”

Ms Steyn said they have considered closing down the Standerton SPCA office.

“The problem is that Standerton is essential to our cause and will impair our ability to assist the animals who rely on us.”

She said the staff has not had a salary increase since 2014, but regardless work non-stop in their fight against cruelty.

“Their salaries are not market related given the hours that they work and the skills they have, nor do they have a medical aid or pension scheme, but they still give their best every day.”

Ms Steyn said that although there are various fundraising events in place and fundraising is done monthly, the society needs about R140 000 per month to run their operation. They do this without government funding, municipal funding or Lotto grants.

The Highveld Ridge SPCA has been operational in this area since 1977 and is the biggest animal welfare group in the Govan Mbeki and Lekwa Municipal area.

“We assist over 10 000 animals per month with welfare inspections, cruelty investigations and assistance to animals in need.

“Our three vehicles travel an average of 7 000km per month to collect injured stray animals, taking animals to the vet, doing cruelty investigations and doing proactive education.

“We believe this area would lose a vital service if we have to close our doors.”

Ms Steyn also pointed out that the future of the rescued animals currently at the three SPCA complexes also hangs in the balance.

“We are devastated to think of what would happen to them,”Besides the dogs and cats that have become part of the Highveld Ridge SPCA family, there are also rescued horses and donkeys.

How can you help?

A monthly debit order or cash donation is the easiest and the fastest way to donate.

The money is spent on rent, lights and water, telephones, fuel bills, veterinary bills, cleaning materials, feed, vaccinations, security, vehicle services, tyres, stationary and printing, overalls, uniforms, safety equipment, repairs and maintenance, salaries, blankets, food bowls, and disinfectant.

“Just like any other business we have expenditure that we can budget for but no income that we can estimate.”

Why does the SPCA require cash instead of donations?

“We cannot pay vets with blankets or food bowls, neither will our telephones operate on dog food and likewise our vehicles cannot run on dishwashing liquid.

“Obviously your goods donations help us to save for other expenses.

“Our treasurer and managers have a constant battle to decide who to pay and when to pay.

“Imagine calling our numbers and we have been cut off for non payment or even worse animals not having food or a soft bed and a chew toy,” explained Ms Steyn.

To help, send an email to spcahvdr@vodamail.co.za or call 017 632 2654 or 082 222 1122.

Also read: Highveld Ridge SPCA is still taking stock after fire