Bethal SPCA needs help
There are also various ways of getting involved with the SPCA by supporting their challenge of sponsoring R10 per family member or to join their adopt-a-kennel program. Other ways of support can be by adopting, donating food, volunteering or directly depositing whatever amount one can afford.
BETHAL – Due to financial constraints, two SPCA’s in the region were forced to close their doors for good.
A while back Kriel SPCA closed and last week saw the closure of the Standerton SPCA.
The Bethal SPCA are the smallest in the country.
They do not only service Bethal and Davel, which officially fall under their jurisdiction, but presently also Kriel, Ermelo, Morgenzon and now Standerton since it has seen closure.
Inspector Laurna Coetzer said they expect an increase in emergencies, cruelty cases and animal collections from Standerton to come their way.
Fears are that they could be going in the same direction if the community do not come to their aid.
The SPCA is a non-profitable organisation that in the past relied on financial assistance from Govan Mbeki Municipality for a one year period with an amount of R5 000 a month.
Bethal SPCA has however, not seen any funding from GMM in the last three years and purely rely on community and other NPO’s to support their day to day running and the upkeep of their facilities.
Local SPCA inspector, Ms Laurna Coetzer and her team which includes one field officer who is in training to be an inspector, one kennel cleaner who also looks after the animals and a cleaning lady who is responsible to wash dog blankets, bowls etc. do all they can with the few resources.
Ms Coetzer and her field officer have been kept busy with the alarming increase in cases of animal cruelty and neglect, not only in Bethal, but also the surrounding towns.
In one of the recent cases a dog was found with its hind legs cable tied in Ermelo.
The extent of his injuries was so severe that the animal had to be euthanised, these cost all falling on the SPCA.
The Ridge Times also recently reported of a horse that had been ridden to the brink of death and left on the road to die.
“We are the smallest SPCA in the country with only 38 kennels, which are mostly always full,” said Ms Coetzer.
Of these kennels eight are specifically for cats. Ms Coetzer said that every little bit they get from local farmers and the community helps a lot, however more is needed as they have vehicles that are in need of servicing and tyres.
There is also a huge need for the basics like blankets, leashes, food and water bowls, food for not only cats and dogs, but for the smaller puppies and kittens and much more.
There are also various ways of getting involved with the SPCA by supporting their challenge of sponsoring R10 per family member or to join their adopt-a-kennel program. Other ways of support can be by adopting, donating food, volunteering or directly depositing whatever amount one can afford.
Donations can be made to: SPCA Bethal, Standard Bank, Account number 031033253, Branch code 052544.
For any emergencies emergency contact 072 573 3122 or the office at 017 647 5360. There is also a office cell 066 397 1360 or for queries email office@spcabethal.co.za.
You can also visit their Facebook page at SPCA Bethal DBV.
