The Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA received a R52 000 donation from Hot Cares, which will go towards much-needed security and maintenance upgrades at the organisation’s premises.

The donation comes at a time when the animal welfare organisation has become a repeated target for criminals over the past few months.

During an interview with Hot Cares, SPCA general manager Mandy Cattanach said rims and tyres were stolen from one of the organisation’s horse boxes. Armed robbers also targeted the security guard in an attempt to steal CCTV equipment.

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Cattanach added that, following these incidents, a 400-litre freezer was stolen from the SPCA mortuary, forcing the organisation to redirect funds originally allocated for kennel maintenance and shelter improvements towards urgent security upgrades.

“Everything mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg. We’ve had hassles for the past 24 months. The criminals returned the following evening in an attempt to steal a second freezer from the mortuary. Anything and everything removable has been stolen, including our solar spotlight from the Wall of Remembrance.

“Animals have also disappeared, including cats that have been killed.”

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She mentioned that they then had to install a secure razor wire gate, a protected gate motor, and eventually move the SPCA mortuary inside the property.

“Criminals do not care who they steal from. Something urgently must be done about our neighbours. It is costing the SPCA more and more money on security, leaving less and less for our animals. Thank goodness for radio stations that care about our animals and their needs,” Cattanach concluded.