According to Lize Pienaar, chairperson of the Nelspruit SPCA, the organisation is currently looking after 30 dogs and 18 cats. But, she says, this can change at any time.
“We never know what lies ahead for us and how many animals will need shelter at any given time,” she says.
She says the SPCA urgently needs the help of the community.
“We are running out of funds fast. We admit between 350 and 400 animals per month. They have to be fed, receive veterinary attention, their kennels must be cleaned, and we have to pay our staff,” she says.
Without the help of our communities, we will not be able to render the services that we need to.
Lize Pienaar, chairperson of the Nelspruit SPCA
SPCA staff travel an average of 10 500km per month to collect unwanted, sick, injured and stray animals, meaning that R25 000 is spent on fuel per month.
“We have to buy cleaning material and disinfectant at a cost of R4 000 per month. Then we have to buy veterinary supplies to keep our clinic operational. We have inspectors and field staff who must assist animals in need in our area. We pay phone costs, insurance, facility maintenance and vehicle maintenance,” Lize says.
“We have all the responsibilities of any other business, with the exception that we are a non-profit organisation. Our fund-raising covers only a fraction of our expenses. Without the help of our communities, we will not be able to render the services that we need to. The situation is dire. We need the community in the same way that the community needs the SPCA,” she concludes.
How you can help:
- By signing a monthly debit order or making a donation directly into the SPCA’s bank account;
- By supporting the organisation’s fund-raising efforts;
- By buying from or donating to the SPCA charity shop;
- Food donations; or
- Payment into the SPCA fuel account (Elmadre Motors, Nedbank, 103-9855-156).
The SPCA banking details are:
Account name: Nelspruit SPCA
Bank: Absa cheque account
Account number: 10-8151-0080
“Donations are tax-deductable and we will issue 18A certificates,” Lize says.
