Society needs your help to survive
THE staff of the Queenstown SPCA can tell you countless stories of the horror and abuse of animals they have witnessed, yet the kennels based just outside town are a haven of hope for those who find their way there.
The kennels were this week full of dogs and cats in need of new homes. Some are simply strays while some, like the Dachshund which cowers when approached, was taken away from people who used him for target practise.
A dog, looking suspiciously like a Great Dane, wanders over to the wire of the kennels to lick a worker’s hand, belying what should be his approach to humans after he was starved. He was found, his body emaciated, tied to the SPCA gate on the road to Dordrecht a few days ago.
A few kennels away, three puppies romp around their enclosure. SPCA staff, reacting to a tip from a member of the public that puppies had been seen tied up in a plastic bag on the banks of a river on the outskirts of the town, found them and brought them to safety.
These are but some of the examples of the sadness which finds its way into the eyes of these animals who have been failed by man.
Yet, there are stories of hope too – like the white terrier which was collected by its new owner yesterday following a successful adoption.
The SPCA relies on public assistance and goodwill to survive. The work they do is immeasurable and expensive – from vaccinating stray puppies to organising the neutering and sterilisation of dogs and cats, to feeding those hopefully temporarily sheltered at the kennels.
Their other tasks include providing safe shelter – including blankets and good kennel facilities – and raising awareness of the importance of animal welfare within the community.
Largely reliant on the kindness of strangers, the Queenstown SPCA needs financial donations as well as gifts of blankets, toys and food for the pets and to enable them to pay wages.
In addition, the staff members are in urgent need of overalls and gumboots to help them do their jobs.
Anyone able to assist the Queenstown SPCA – either via donations or even helping to upgrade a kennel or two or assisting on a continuous basis - can contact Betty Cree or Chissano Sana on 045- 839 2819.
Reach out and make a difference today.