KARIEGA – After days of uncertainty and an outpouring of public support, the SPCA Uitenhage will remain at its long-standing premises for the time being following legal advice not to vacate the property.
The organisation had been instructed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to leave the site by 20 February after a new service provider was appointed to operate the municipal animal pound.
The directive, along with questions raised about the bidding process, prompted the SPCA to seek legal advice while urgently trying to secure a new home for the animals in its care.
In a social media update, the SPCA said its legal team advised it not to vacate “at this stage, until further notice”, giving the organisation some breathing room as discussions continue.
At the same time, the situation has sparked a strong response from the community. Donations have steadily come in as supporters help the organisation raise funds to relocate and continue its work.
Speaking to the PE Express, Chairperson Deidre Swift said the level of support has been overwhelming. As of today, 21 February, more than R1 million has been raised towards the R2.7 million needed for a new premises.
“We’ve been told by our legal counsel to stay where we are,” she shared.
“We cannot believe that we were able to raise that amount of money in such a short time. We are so grateful for the community support. We would not be standing without them.”
Swift said the backing from residents has helped the organisation remain hopeful during an emotionally difficult time.
“Because of their belief that the Uitenhage SPCA should not just disappear and that we serve a purpose in the community, they enable us to deal with the emotionally challenging situation we find ourselves in. We have not given up.”
Legal representative Susan Bowden of Bowden-Gilfillan & Scholtz Inc said no agreement had been reached regarding the date on which the SPCA was expected to vacate.
“Our client will not be vacating the property (20 February) as they are still in the process of securing another premises from which to operate,” she said.
Bowden added that the deadline had been imposed unilaterally by the municipality. She confirmed that no formal court proceedings have been instituted and that discussions between the parties are ongoing in an attempt to resolve the matter.
She also noted that a Promotion of Access to Information Act application will be submitted to obtain more details about the bidding process that led to the appointment of a new operator.
Commenting on the matter, municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said: “Given that this is a legal issue I cannot comment as this may prejudice the ongoing legal process.”
The municipality previously confirmed that a new service provider had been appointed to run the animal pound following what it described as a fair and compliant procurement process.
However, the SPCA has warned that losing its base of more than 50 years without securing alternative premises could have serious consequences for animal welfare in the region.
ALSO READ: Community joins hands in supporting SPCA fundraising | UD Express (Uitenhage)
