HUMANSDORP – SPCA Assisi Humansdorp staff and volunteers went the extra mile to ensure animals in their care were fed and looked after when a road closure and march prevented normal access to the shelter on 22 June.

Established to protect and care for neglected, abused, abandoned and stray animals, SPCA Assisi serves Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay, Hankey, Patensie and surrounding areas.

According to SPCA Assisi’s Louise Bakkes, staff were unable to reach the organisation’s kennels on the morning of 22 June because of a march in the area and the closure of the R330.

She said that the road closure prevented access to the shelter and meant many kennel staff were unable to report for duty.

“As soon as it became clear that staff could not reach the shelter, our inspectorate and members of the SPCA committee stepped in. They made every effort to reach the kennels via alternative routes and, once there, took over the feeding, cleaning, watering and care of the animals for the day,” said Bakkes.

She explained that staff first realised there was a problem when they reached the road closure and discovered there was no access to the shelter.

“This immediately caused great concern, as our animals depend entirely on us for their daily feeding, cleaning, medication and care,” said Bakkes.

Describing the events of the morning, she said the situation was both stressful and emotional.

“Our first thoughts were not about the inconvenience to ourselves, but about the animals waiting for us.

“Shelter animals cannot understand delays, road closures or protests; they simply wait for their breakfast, clean bedding, medication and the familiar people who care for them every day,” said Bakkes.

With no direct access available, staff had to travel via back roads from the St Francis side, turning what is normally a 25-minute journey into a four-hour trip.

As a result, Bakkes said the animals received their morning care about four hours later than usual.

“Thankfully, once access was gained, every animal was immediately checked, fed, watered and cared for. The animals were all waiting in anticipation,” said Bakkes.

She said SPCA Assisi currently has 40 animals in its care, all of which rely entirely on the organisation.

“Any interruption to that care is a matter we take extremely seriously,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Bakkes praised the response from those involved.

“What stood out on Monday was the incredible teamwork. Our inspectorate, committee members and available staff worked together without hesitation to ensure the animals’ needs came first.

“Everyone focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the obstacles, demonstrating the commitment of the people who serve this organisation,” said Bakkes.

While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, she appealed for essential animal welfare services to be allowed access to animals in need.

“The animals in our care had no part in the events of 22 June, yet they were directly affected by the delay,” said Bakkes.

She added that although the organisation has experienced road closures and difficult access before, the incident has highlighted the need to further strengthen contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted care in future.

“The dedication shown by our inspectorate, committee and staff on Monday is a reminder that, no matter the challenge, the welfare of the animals will always remain our highest priority,” said Bakkes.

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