A dire shortage of money can cause the SPCA (SPCA) in Mokopane to close its doors soon.
Closing down will be a blow to animal lovers, pets, and farm animals. The Mokopane SPCA branch covers an extensive area stretching over 6,200sqm. Lebowakgoma, Zebediela, Groblersdal, Bela Bela, Modimolle, Vaalwater, Style Walk and Mookgopong are all assisted by the branch, Melissa Fourie, an inspector of the branch said. The SPCA have to cope with three battered vehicles, one of which is used to transport cattle only.
“We often get people who bring animals to the SPCA. Its stray animals, animals that people no longer want to take care of such as kittens and puppies. We help where we can, but it will be a major crisis if the branch closes because the need is great, ” said Liezel Lourens of Kranskopl animal clinic in Modimolle.
Fourie cannot refuse to give animals a home at the SPCA, and this leads to overcrowded cages. The facility can only house 50 dogs and 100 cats.
“The primary purpose of the organization is to prevent cruelty to animals,” she said. For this reason, they often have to make the difficult choice to put animals down, but even that is a high cost.
Fourie says people have the misconception that the SPCA is a state institution. “We are designated to balance the numbers without assistance. We have applied to the lottery board for assistance, but so far, nothing is forthcoming and even if we were successful, it would take over a year to receive some form of donation. ”
Marcelle Maritz, the manager of the SPCA in Mokopane, says she had take a loan from the bank to keep the organization’s doors open. “Our biggest expense is animal food and salaries. We have to run a 24-hour service for people when animals need help through the night, “she explained.
In addition to food and salaries, fuel and veterinary expenses are also headaches.
“We are looking at making orders available so that people can contribute monthly. Those who want to help with fuel, can also nominate a gas station and pay the money to them, and we will complete the collection.”
“We have such an important role to play. How we care for our animals says a lot about us – it is our duty, “she said.
Except for neglected pets, the SPCA have to remove all reported cases of starving or abused farm animals.
The Kranskopl animal clinic in Modimolle offered to serve as a drop off point for dog food and other donations to the SPCA. Call them at tel. (014) 717 5996. Residents are urged to contact the SPCA directly on telephone . 078,617 call 8682,for Marcelle Maritz.
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