Bethal SPCA requires urgent assistance

Media Statement - Bethal SPCA has been in operation for over 25 years, serving the communities of Bethal, eMzoneni and Davel. Presently, we are also servicing Kriel, Standerton and as far afield as Ermelo. We have been in operation with no support from local government (Govan Mbeki Municipality), and a little support from the local community. We are now in imminent danger of closing our doors due to lack of funds. There is no other animal welfare organization operating in said areas, and therefore it is vital to keep our doors open. Municipalities are legally obligated to provide the community with a sustainable animal pound, to provide a safe environment for stray animals. However, we do not receive any funding for tirelessly providing this service, and the municipality has failed to pay for these services.

We have a small management committee that works hard at trying to raise funds, however, in these economic times, it is very difficult to sustain the service we provide for the community. We are an essential service, attending to emergencies, cruelty complaints, routine facility inspections, collection of strays and unwanted animals, as well as hosting regular outreach clinics, educating the public, and arranging sterilization and vaccination drives. If we no longer exist, what is going to happen to all of these functions, not to mention the abandoned, lost and abused animals? We need members of the community, as well as businesses, to become actively involved in helping us survive.

Our monthly expenses range between R40 000 and R50 000 per month. We have four paid staff members, and one part time staff member. Our staff members are loyal, overworked and passionate, and we cannot afford to lose them. We have an active Adopt a Kennel program in place, and any donations can generate an 18a tax receipt.

The animals depend on YOU to keep the SPCA operational. We are grateful to the community that generously donate dog and cat food, as well as diesel for our vehicles, but to make Bethal SPCA sustainable, financial support is needed urgently. Please consider making a donation into our bank account, or contact us regarding ways to help us. Our banking details are as follows: Account name: SPCA Bethal, account number: 03 103 325 3, type of account: current/cheque, bank: Standard Bank, with branch code: 05 25 44. Please be part of the solution! With any enquiries, you may contact Barbara Mitton, Vice Chairperson, Bethal SPCA, on 082 496 1501, or via e-mail, vicechairperson@spcabethal.co.za.