The Welkom SPCA finds itself in dire straits and is making a plea to the public, business sector and other organisations to urgently give assistance.
“Our bakkie broke down several months ago, leaving us only with a small 1400 bakkie, which has served its days and is now high maintenance. It is time for it to rest,” says Dulcie Harris, chairperson of the Welkom SPCA.
“This has caused us various problems, as we have been unable to service all our surrounding areas sufficiently, which results in less donations.”
Harris says with the district having just come out of the terrible pandemic, it has left many people destitute.
“As a result there is a huge influx of unwanted or hungry pets roaming the streets. This phenomena is especially prominent in mining towns like Welkom. Because of this we are experiencing less adoptions, which means less funds and higher costs for the SPCA,” says Harris.
There is a real need to get the Hilux running. Harris says they had to loan the money for a refurbished engine.
“This pushed our already exorbitant monthly expenses even higher. Not to even talk about the fuel increases.”
The Welkom SPCA has also found the need to employ another staff member just to cope with the work load of having this influx of dogs and cats arriving on its doorstep.
These circumstances have resulted in the SPCA not being able to cover monthly bills.
Harris says there are numerous ways in which people can assist the SPCA.
This includes a fixed monthly or annual contribution to running costs, contributing towards the high veterinary bill every month, assisting with fuel for the rescue vehicles, volunteering a day to do maintenance at the kennels and taking part in the SPCA monthly challenge – which entails making a donation and challenging a friend, colleague or business to match your donation.
“There is always a way to help, big or small, just give us a call,” says Harris.
For enquiries contact the office on 071-430-4876 or Harris on 074-899-4164.
