New committee to take on SPCA responsibilities
MBOMBELA - After the majority of the Nelspruit SPCA's committee members resigned at the start of October, it now has a new team ready to take on the challenges that this particular brand of volunteer work presents.
Lize Pienaar, vice-chairperson and member of the previous committee, reminded supporters of what the SPCA stands for: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“Our mission is in our name: to prevent cruelty to animals. By conducting regular inspections at all facilities where they are kept, bred, trained, displayed, slaughtered or used, we can take corrective steps where concerns are detected.
"We also act against people who contravene the law, firstly via education and advice, and in worst case scenarios, prosecution takes place if warnings have been ignored. In some severe cases immediate action is required.”
Pienaar said the SPCA believes that animals are sentient beings and that they suffer physically and mentally if all their needs are not met.
"The SPCA is governed by law and because of this there are many regulations and rules we have to adhere to. All of these are necessary to ensure the best interest of all animals."
She mentioned that due to the legal basis on which the SPCA operates, it cannot be compared with other animal welfare organisations. "It may not refuse admission of any animal. All animals matter to us, not only dogs and cats. We believe that each one deserves compassion, humane treatment and respect.
"The Nelspruit SPCA managing committee is committed to ensure the highest standards of care to all animals that we and our staff have to deal with. We will be their voice," Pienaar said.