The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Louis Trichardt strongly denied ru-mours this week that they are closing down. This follows an e-mail petition which was recently circulated in town, claiming that the SPCA in South Africa is closing its doors.

Mrs Bea Reimer of the local SPCA said this week that the Louis Trichardt SPCA has no intention of closing down. She did, however, point out that the e-mail was correct in stating that the SPCA does not receive funding from the Lotto, municipality or government and that they are therefore in desperate need of fund-ing to continue to deliver the same standard of ser-vice in their area, which stretches from Musina in the north to Dendron in the south, Alldays in the west and to Punda Maria in the east.

“With your support, we can continue to be of service to the animals of the district for many years to come. We rely entirely on donations from you and other concerned members of the public to fund our services to the animals of the district,” Reimer said.

She said that although petitions by e-mail are useful in raising awareness, the Louis Trichardt SPCA is continuously faced with the daily reality of raising about R20 000 per month to maintain their services.

The SPCA therefore requests you to support the Louis Trichardt SPCA in whatever way you can, and to encourage others to join you in doing so. “The most valuable donations we receive are regular, committed donations, however small, as they allow your society to plan ahead. We there-fore ask you to consider committing yourself, or your company or business, to a regular monthly donation by bank transfer, debit or stop order,” Reimer said. Donations can be paid directly into the SPCA’s bank account at ABSA, branch code 632005 and account number 4049 349 429.

For more information, phone Reimer at 082 424 5712 or Kathy on 072 425 2392.