The controversy surrounding the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s animal pound intensified last week following confirmation that a new service provider has assumed responsibility for the facility.
In a statement, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Health, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye, said the municipal animal pound is open and ready to receive animals after an assessment of the facility and engagements with the newly appointed service provider.
Buyeye shared that the service provider was appointed in the first week of January 2026, following what he described as a thorough and compliant Supply Chain Management process in line with applicable regulations.
He added that engagements with the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services to upgrade the pound and establish a fully functional animal clinic at the facility are at an advanced stage.
Once completed, the clinic will be registered with the South African Veterinary Council. In the interim, a state veterinarian is available on call to attend to animal health emergencies and assessments.
The MMC acknowledged the municipality’s previous partnership with the SPCA, stating that the municipality appreciated the work carried out by the organisation. However, he emphasised that the municipality is not legally obligated to renew contracts, citing government procurement regulations.
“The completion of an open, fair, transparent and competitive bidding process has resulted in the appointment of a new service provider, signalling a new era,” said Buyeye.
He added that officials had briefed him on the experience of the new provider, which he said brought reassurance regarding the quality of services to be rendered.
Buyeye said that the operation of the municipal pound would improve road safety and reduce health risks associated with roaming animals. He noted that uncontrolled animal movement can result in accidents and disease outbreaks, and that the municipality has a responsibility to care for vulnerable animals.
However, the SPCA Uitenhage & District has expressed serious concern over the municipality’s decision not to renew its contract.
In a statement, the organisation said it had been instructed to vacate the premises it has occupied for more than 50 years, with its final day set for 20 February 2026. The SPCA said it would continue operating as normal until then.
The organisation warned that failure to secure a new property and rebuild its kennels and facilities could have devastating consequences for animal welfare in the region.
“If the SPCA were forced to close, the consequences would be devastating. Thousands of animals would be left without protection, care or advocacy.”
The SPCA has also appealed for legal assistance, stating that it is facing a critical legal situation and requires the support of an attorney, preferably with experience in tenders, property and leasing.
Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, confirmed that the SPCA did not submit a bid during the tender process. When asked to identify the newly appointed service provider, Soyaya declined to specify.
However, DA spokesperson for Public Health, Mthokozisi Nkosi, identified the new service provider as Busy Bee.
The future of the animals currently in the SPCA’s care remains uncertain as the organisation seeks alternative premises while challenging the tender process, which it claims allowed insufficient time to secure the contract.
