Since 1902, the Kimberley SPCA has taken in lost, abandoned, and neglected animals and cared for them. However, caring for animals is not inexpensive, writes Danie van der Lith.
SINCE the Big Hole was created, the Kimberley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has been there for the locals and their pets. Since 1902, the SPCA has taken in lost, abandoned, and neglected animals and cared for them. However, caring for animals is not inexpensive.
The SPCA obtained non-profit organisation (NPO) status in 1999 and is entirely dependent on donations from people from all walks of life because it receives no financial aid from the government.
SPCA committee chairperson Alet Steyn discussed with the DFA the recent help they have received from the Kimberley community.
Steyn asserts that the donations they have received show how open people’s hearts have been throughout the year. “People have been giving us such great support, not just by giving us money and food, but also by shopping at our charity shop and attending our markets,” said Steyn.
She added that thanks to the community’s generosity and the hard-working staff, volunteers and the committee, they were able to purchase a much-needed new bakkie with the profits from the charity shop.
“However, for us thus far, September and October have stood out,” said Steyn. “When the Jagersfontein calamity hit in September, we were unable to just stand by and do nothing. When we received the call from Bloemfontein SPCA to join forces with them and Virginia SPCA, we got into our vehicles and rushed there to save the lives of animals in need.
Nadine, a musician, began fund-raising for the three SPCAs involved in the rescue after the Jagersfontein disaster. After assisting the animals, she and AE Switch raised R20,000 for each SPCA that was involved, a much-needed donation.
“In October, an anonymous donor gave us a very kind donation of electrical equipment. It was a substantial gift … Neels Snyders then came on board and installed everything for us, free of charge.”
Steyn stated that the SPCA has always had a significant issue with garbage collection because Sol Plaatje Municipality does not provide the organisation with the service, and getting rid of the waste has never been simple. However, Steyn noted that everything has now changed.
“The SPCA was relieved of a significant burden when De Beers Consolidated Mines donated three disused skips and Ekapa Mining agreed to take over our garbage collection. Additionally, Ekapa built a carport for four vehicles, which will now be used to shield our vehicles from the strong Northern Cape sun.”
Steyn mentioned that the SPCA keeps its animals in 177 kennels. “Our typical monthly feeding expense ranges from R16,000 to R25,000, while our daily operating expenses hover around R8,000. Therefore, the SPCA would like to thank every organisation, person, school and business for contributing to the SPCA.
“The SPCA has operated for 120 years thanks to donations, and each donation demonstrates that people still care for and love animals that are unable to care for themselves.”
