New Chair at the SPCA helm
THE Richards Bay SPCA last week held its Annual General Meeting, which was well attended by both members and non-members alike.
Before standing down after his second term, outgoing Chairperson Sarel Small highlighted the ups and downs of the past year.
‘It has been a testing time financially for the SPCA, but I cannot thank enough all our loyal supporters who have donated both money and food, as well as our dedicated staff.
‘In difficult circumstances, our staff, and especially our inspectors Shelly and Wynand, as well as Elizabeth, have shown their commitment in everything they do, even when not on standby.’
He also thanked all the volunteers for their dedication.
One of the biggest difficulties Richards Bay SPCA has faced this past year is their vehicles.
Of the three vehicles, one is barely working while the other two have been off the road for months.
‘We desperately need at least one new vehicle, but preferably two, which would help us to be able to carry out our regular daily work as well as attend to cruelty cases in the further reaches of our coverage area, such as Sodwana Bay.
‘We would also love to extend our community outreach and our dream is to convert an old ambulance into a mobile clinic so we can undertake regular rabies programmes.’ After years of being left in the lurch by the municipality, both Richards Bay and Empangeni SPCAs received R198 000 from the City of uMhlathuze and the new Deputy Municipal Manager: Community Services, Thandiwe Mathabula, said via a statement that a further lump sum is available for both SPCAs. Fund-raising, donations and sponsorships are still vital to keeping open the SPCA’s doors, however, as running costs and vet bills are high.
Sarel Small thanked everyone for the support during his chairmanship and urged them to be behind new Chairperson, Derrick Exley, in the same manner.