KARIEGA – The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) PE has recently raised serious welfare concerns about the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s (NMBM) animal pound in a statement, following the Busy Bee NGO’s takeover on 21 January.

Despite the Metro’s social media claims that the pound was fully functional, the AACL stated, “There is a lack of care and resources for admitted animals. We cannot condone the admission of any animal into the NMBM pound, knowing the welfare of the animals would be compromised.”

The AACL explained that the new arrangement had forced them to continue performing municipal functions whilst carrying the financial burden.

The organisation identified ten critical welfare concerns, including:

• uncertainty over responsibilities between Busy Bee and NMBM;
• an absence of basic animal handling equipment;
• no impoundment facilities for roaming livestock;
• a lack of veterinary services despite Doctor Tafara Mapuvire being named as consulting veterinarian;
• no para-veterinary personnel on site;
• unmanned and under-resourced clinic facilities;
• no experienced pound master and unclear procedures for reclaiming strays;
• uncertainty about rehoming procedures after the seven-day stray period;
• inability to assist indigent owners with ill or injured pets; and
• selective collection rather than operating as an open intake facility.

The AACL warned that failing to provide veterinary care constituted a criminal offence under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.

The NMBM rejected the suggestion that a full-time veterinarian was required at the facility.

“It is unreasonable to expect a consulting veterinarian to be stationed at the municipal pound on a full-time basis, as this has never been a requirement, including under previous service providers [SPCA],” said municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya.

“Doctor Tafara Mapuvire provides services in line with his professional schedule and attends the facility when requested by the animal health technicians or the appointed service provider.”

The municipality further stated that it was currently satisfied with Busy Bee’s performance as the new municipal pound service provider.

Busy Bee responds

Speaking to UD Express, Busy Bee NGO founder Stanley Adam defended the operation.

“Although the pound veterinarian has not yet assumed his role fully at the pound clinic, that does not mean the pound does not have any vets available.”

Adam revealed that Busy Bee had received threats since their appointment.

“For animals in need of urgent veterinary care from the Gqeberha region, I have a vet on call. For animals in need in Kariega, I have a vet on call. Both vets are registered; however, I will not disclose who those vets are, for their safety.”

Addressing security concerns, he added, “We are working towards security because people might come and forcefully remove the animals.”

There have been a lot of things said about us, but we are working with our heads down. It seems that people want us to fail, but to me, it tells me what I need to focus on more. – Stanley Adam

Adam confirmed the on-premises clinic was not operational.

“We are still waiting for clinic papers. Our clinic staff are currently on the way. These things take time; however, food and immediate necessities are available on-site.”

Regarding post-impoundment procedures, Adam clarified the situation.

“The strays are supposed to stay for seven days at the pound, and then NPOs or any member of the public who shows interest can be given a chance. If all fails, a sound humane decision will be taken.”

On reuniting lost pets, he confirmed, “Yes, we can scan lost pets; however, most of the animals don’t have chips. We can share animals on social media and we are working on most things [of that nature] with IT.”

Adam explained Doctor Tafara’s role.

“Doctor Tafara is running a clinic that will assist a lot at the pound. We are planning a mobile clinic that will assist a lot in the community, but we don’t expect a quick fix.

“There have been a lot of things said about us, but we are working with our heads down. It seems that people want us to fail, but to me, it tells me what I need to focus on more.”

Regarding stray cattle, Adam cited foot-and-mouth disease protocols.

“I cannot collect any and all stray cattle because of the current foot-and-mouth disease. There is protocol in place to make sure that we do not spread the disease.”

Adam requested patience, and emphasised commitment.

“Twenty-nine days is a short time to be judged on the work we do. We have nothing to hide. The community can come see what we are about. However, in six months, there will definitely be a difference.

“All I want people to understand is that we are here for the animals. We welcome working with any service providers willing to help.”

Municipality announces appointment

Meanwhile, the municipality announced the appointment of Usisipho Funde, a KwaZakhele resident and final-year Animal Health diploma student at the University of South Africa (Unisa), as part of efforts to professionalise services whilst creating local opportunities.

Funde, registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), brings over three years of veterinary experience, including expertise in animal handling, clinical preparation, and community outreach. She previously served as an animal welfare assistant at the AACL Port Elizabeth.

The MMC for Public Health, Cllr Thsonono Buyeye, said, “This is the kind of transformation residents should expect to see, qualified young people from our communities entering specialised professions and serving the public with competence and compassion.”

Funde described animal welfare as “not just a job for me, it’s a calling”.

“Being able to serve the community I come from, is something I take seriously. I want residents to feel confident that their animals are treated with care and dignity.”

The municipality confirmed that outstanding financial matters with the previous service provider [SPCA] have been processed according to standard procedures, and administrative transitions are being handled responsibly.

Residents are encouraged to engage constructively with the municipality as the new system is stabilised.