Things are looking up at the Highveld Ridge SPCA, but help is still needed

EVANDER – The Highveld Ridge SPCA is slowly but steadily getting back on their feet.

After numerous setbacks the past few years that eventually ended up with this non-profitable animal rescue and welfare organisation basically closing its gates.

With the help of dedicated staff who work as volunteers, determined committee members and chairpersons, their lot was cancelled and the organisation is now at a point where they have an inspector in training and is debt-free.

“It was, and still is hard work to raise enough money to keep us going and we cannot do this without the help of our volunteers, donors and community.

“We do fight for each animal to get a second chance although there are not nearly enough good homes out there,” said Ms Mariska Strydom, chairman of the Highveld Ridge SPCA.

The SPCA’s mandate of operation is much wider than that of other animal welfare organisations, and their first priority is animal cruelty cases.

They have to deal with animals of any kind – from owls and fish to pets, tortoises and livestock.

The Highveld Ridge SPCA in the past even had to care for a lion cub and a stork.

The committee has several continuous projects, as well as planned ideas for the SPCA to raise awareness and money to function and to upgrade the kennels.

There are 41 dog kennels, 10 for cats and two isolation kennels in which to keep sick or injured animals.

“The kennels are about 40 years old and in need of upgrading. We also wish to add a cattery with meet and greet areas, provide a play area for the puppies with a 3×3 square metre shade port,” said Ms Madri O’Neill, committee member.

“We need the community’s help make this a reality,” she said.

To achieve this, the public can sponsor a kennel once-off for R200.

The sponsor’s name will be added to the kennel.

Another doggie-walk at the kennels where the community visits the animals in the shelter and takes them out for a walk is also in the pipeline.

The ongoing projects include the Adopt-a-kennel project where the public can adopt a kennel and donate food towards that kennel. This person’s name will also be displayed on the specific kennel.

The Paw Shop accepts anything that is considered a white elephant in your home – from clothes and toys that you no longer want to crockery and furniture. Some of the items are even resold on bidding battles.

They call their second-hand clothes shop the Purrfect Fit.

The Highveld Ridge SPCA further sells Instant Tags and is also part of Back-a-buddy where people can donate money to their cause.

They are also listed on Sasol For Good and locals can also become involved in this way by giving donations or volunteering.

The SPCA will be on their regular spot at the monthly Boere Mall at Lake Umuzi on 31 October to sell their legendary pancakes.

They had a stall at the night market at TerraNova on 23 October where they sold Pup Cakes that are made especially for your furry paw-friends.

They will also raise awareness that 1 to 7 November is Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week.

The Highveld Ridge SPCA services 11 towns.

Ms O’Neill invited the public to visit their premises opposite the Unicor Dam to see what their needs are and to pay the animals a much-needed visit.

You can also watch their Facebook page for adoptions and awareness campaigns.

To become involved in the revamping and Adopt- a-kennel project, you can send an email to Ms O’Neill at secretary@hrspca.co.za. For more information on other matters, you can send an email to Ms Strydom at chair@hrspca.co.za.

The Highveld Ridge SPCA will hold their annual general meeting (AGM) on 18 November. The time and venue will still be announced.

The Highveld Ridge SPCA’s office number is 082 869 2350. For emergencies, you can phone 082 222 1122.