Sad times but many come to rescue
Animals at the SPCA in Komani have been moved to SPCA shelters in East London and Qonce, but adoptions are still welcomed. The local shelter has served the community for years, but its lease agreement, which Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality did not renew, will come to an end on Thursday.
Word has it that the municipality plans to use the land for development, however, the repercussions of the anticipated closure are expected to leave a gap in animal welfare and rescue services for the entire region.
This will not only affect Komani but also many small towns such as Cathcart, Tarkastad, Ngcobo, Cofimvaba, Dordrecht, Indwe, Cacadu, Elliot, Ugie, Maclear, Tarkastad, Cradock, Aliwal North, Sterkstroom and their surrounding areas.
Tshisano Sana, who has worked for the Komani SPCA for 14 years, said its six employees would be left without jobs.
“Our employment will come to an end. We have been told to look for other places,” Sana told The Rep on Monday.
He said the shelter had been taking care of more than 50 dogs and cats.
However, he said people had rallied behind the SPCA to adopt animals after hearing of its forced closure.
“The response of getting people to adopt has been great, we are receiving calls from people wanting to adopt from Johannesburg, Cape Town Mthatha, basically from all over the country.
“Many people have called us from the different towns too.
“If there is no SPCA, it means the animals will roam around and those injured will be left unattended. The worrying factor is the diseases that may follow suit in communities.”
He said animals were vulnerable and needed to be taken care of.
“Animals do not argue or complain, they are loyal. They listen and obey their owners, and when shown love, they return that love and are protective.”
One of the people coming to the animals’ rescue, Dean Jones, adopted two dogs.
“They are both two crossbreed female dogs. If I had the money and the resources I would take all of them.
“We owe loyalty to them, they did not ask to be bred. The SPCA situation is so heartbreaking it has motivated me to come along and take on the responsibility of another two. I realise the implications behind it. We chose them, they do not choose us. It is up to us to give them the best life possible.”
Stephen Joubert, who already has seven cats, said he was considering adopting a cat.
“I got the cats from the streets and from people who were afraid of giving them to other people.”
He said the SPCA’s services were needed and it was a shame it was being forced to close.
His mother, Rose, adopted a horse from the SPCA a while ago.
“Carrots was bumped by a car and had an injury, and still cannot be ridden. But I have given him a good life to live with a family and friends of his own kind at my farm,” she said.