SPCAs in dire need of help
Whether donations in the form of food – wet and dry, adult and puppy/kitten – or items to sell at the charity shops, monetary donations or contributions towards their respective vet bills, the SPCAs are reliant on the generosity of supportive community members
CONTENDING with a high number of animals coming through their gates, as well as many puppies and kittens this breeding season, the local SPCA branches, including Empangeni, eShowe and Richards Bay, are appealing to the public for support.
Whether donations in the form of food – wet and dry, adult and puppy/kitten – or items to sell at the charity shops, monetary donations or contributions towards their respective vet bills, the SPCAs are reliant on the generosity of supportive community members.
Without much government support, other than a once-off annual subsidy from the City of uMhlathuze which last year covered about one month’s running costs for each of the two SPCAs that received it, the branches battle to cover their running and maintenance costs.
Maintenance aside, every month, money to pay staff salaries, cover animal food, vet treatment and drug supplies is in short supply.
‘We are and have been cutting down wherever we can, but we are appealing for our survival,’ said Empangeni SPCA’s Cheryl Whittaker.
All the SPCAs within King Cetshwayo District face the same issue of financial shortcomings and, with no SPCAs in the uMkhanyakude District, the Empangeni, eShowe and Richards Bay branches are forced to take the load.
‘We are incredibly grateful for all the support we have received, but the reality is that our need is ongoing,’ said Richards Bay SPCA Chairperson Anna-Mare Coetzee.
‘We are blessed to be part of such a caring community which always responds to our pleas for help.’
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