Local SPCA in dire straits over money

The Louis Trichardt Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is at present in dire straits.

Over the last couple of months, it has become more and more difficult to fulfil their duties as a non-profit organisation. The main reason for this is a serious shortage of funds. They do not receive any help from government and rely solely on donations. These donations have, however, all but dried up in recent times.

“If we do not receive help urgently in the form of frequent cash donations, we would have no other option than to close the local branch of the SPCA. If this happens, residents’ closest SPCA branch would be in Polokwane,” says Mrs Bea Reimer, chairperson of the management committee.

Reimer explained that, on average, it costs the branch between R40 000 and R45 000 per month to keep their gates open. This includes veterinary fees, fuel, municipal levies, office expenses and, most importantly, animal food.

“Our situation is dire and we are still waiting for the R1 million inheritance left to us by our dear friend and animal lover, Miss Betty Noakes, who passed away nearly two years ago. But even when we receive this money, we will only be able to use the interest on the amount,” says Reimer.

The local SPCA covers a vast area, stretching from Matoks in the south to the Zimbabwean border in the north and from Masisi in the east to Vivo/Alldays in the west.

“You would therefore understand that to send out our vehicle to Masisi or Alldays for a day costs a lot of money,” says Reimer.

Reimer urged people to consider contributing a small amount each month, maybe by debit order, to help keep the local SPCA’s gates open. Once-off donations are also very welcome. For those wishing to make a donation, the local SPCA’s banking details are SPCA Louis Trichardt, Standard Bank, account number 282374639 and branch code 052 549. All funds received are subject to an annual audit.

For more information, phone Reimer at 082 424 5719 or animal inspector Lawrence Khodobo at 082 965 5151.

News - Date: 03 May 2013

Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

Email: [email protected]