Highveld Ridge SPCA needs your help
The minimum cost to keep the Highveld Ridge SPCA running every month is as much as R60 000. This is without vet bills that range from R20 000 - R40 000.
“There are more good animals than good homes,” said Ms Mariska Strydom, chairperson for the Highveld Ridge SPCA.
The local SPCA suffered bad publicity in the past and near closure in 2018 but has since seen a complete turnaround.
The minimum cost to keep the Highveld Ridge SPCA running every month is as much as R60 000. This is without their monthly vet bills that range between R20 000 and R40 000.
The cost includes salaries, running of vehicles, food for the animals and the daily running of the SPCA.
“Our vet bills are our biggest expense every month,” said Ms Strydom.
The SPCA is a non-profitable organisation that purely relies on funding from the community and businesses.
They service areas such as Secunda, Evander, Trichardt, Kinross, Leandra, Lebohang, Eendracht, Charl Cilliers, eMbalenhle and Val.
Currently, the SPCA has five permanent staff members, two volunteers and a committee of six people.
Besides cats and dogs, the SPCA also takes in livestock from farms and wildlife, such as owls, among many other creatures. The SPCA is also housing guinea pigs and tortoises.
“Because of the area we are in, we see a very diverse range of animals. We have specific rehabilitation facilities that take these animals in if we are unable,” said Ms Strydom.
She said wild animals are taken to rehabilitation facilities as soon as possible to minimise the distress in the animal.
Piet Potgieter neem beste foto vir die maand by Hoëveld Fotografieklub
“Unfortunately, in some of the severe cases we see, we are left with no other choice than to euthanise the animal. Any decision that is made at the SPCA is within the best interest of the animal,” said Ms Strydom.
Currently, the SPCA runs at a 50 per cent capacity.
“We are picky with where our animals go, thus we have a strict adopting policy,” said Mr Dawid Viljoen, committee member.
The adopting process consists of a meet and greet. Application forms will need to be filled in with personal details such as an ID number and proof of residence.
A deposit needs to be paid for a home inspection. If the application is approved you will need to pay the outstanding amounts.
This will include the animal’s sterilisation, microchip and the first vaccination.
“We have to look for the best home for these animals. Every animal that leaves this premises has to be sterilised, even our guinea pigs,” said Ms Strydom.
She said that the adoptions have increased over the past year.
“In one day we had a record-breaking seven adoptions,” said Ms Strydom.
To adopt a male dog is R850 and female is R1 100. If the male or female dog has already been sterilised, it will cost you R530.
To adopt a male cat is R850 and a female is R850. If the male or female cat has already been sterilised it will cost R530.
A deposit of R250 is required for the pre-home check. If approved, it will be added to the adoption fees.
The R250 deposit for the pre-home check is non -refundable if you are not approved.
She said there has been a huge increase in animal cruelty, dog fighting and animals being used as bait.
“If you know of people committing animal cruelty, you need to report it. According to the APA, if you see any cruelty and don’t report it, you are just as guilty as the persons who is committing the cruelty,” said Ms Strydom.
She said the SPCA has 24 hours to respond to cruelty cases.
“If you do not report cruelty of animals you are just as guilty,” said Ms Strydom.
The SPCA receive anything from 6 to 14 cases of animal cruelty every week.
The SPCA has many means for the community to get involved such as:
• Adopt a kennel
• MySchool
• SnapScans
• Volunteering
There is also a second-hand shop on the SPCA’s premises.
Donations can also be made into the SPCA bank account: FNB – Account Number: 62218637489
You can also donate money directly towards the vet bills.
Evander Animal Clinic Inc – Standard Bank Secunda – Cheque: 081404719 – Ref No: 24. Email proof of payment to evandier@telkomsa.net
Secunda Animal Hospital – ABSA Secunda 632005 – Acc No: 1012361463 – Ref No: 9872. Email proof of payment to admin@secundaanimalhospital.co.za
Donations of the following are always welcomed:
• Puppy food • Kitten food • Kitty litter • Blankets • Diesel • De-worm • Cattery items • Bandages • Dry food for cats and dogs • Goat food • F10 products • Black bags • Jumbo rolls • Stationary.
You can also donate non-perishable foods to the staff.
For emergencies contact 082 222 1122. Or contact the office during office hours at 082 869 2350.
Visit the Highveld Ridge SPCA’s Facebook page for more details on adoptions.
“We would like to thank the community and our volunteers for their continued support. Keeping our doors open would not have been possible without the support that we get,” concluded Ms Strydom.
Trading times for the SPCA are Monday to Friday from 8:30- 16:40. Saturdays from 09:00 – 14:00.
Sundays they are closed however there is personal on the premises from 09:00 to 11:00. Kindly call the office to make special arrangements.
