The Kimberley SPCA was on Monday morning 22 June “frustrated and angry” to find that the wheels of both its dog trailers had been stolen on Sunday night.

Following this, it called upon the public to speak up about any suspicious activity that might have been noticed around this charity organisation or any information heard on someone trying to sell trailer wheels.

“Those trailers are our lifelines. Without them, our ability to respond to emergencies, rescue animals in distress, and transport them to safety is severely compromised,” said Alet Steyn, chairperson.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to protect and assist the vulnerable animals in our community when our facility is targeted by criminals who think they can just come and take what does not belong to them.”

Steyn said what was even more frustrating was that somewhere, someone knows who did this, and that “somewhere, someone has been offered these wheels for sale.”

The tyres and rims of the four-berth dog trailer (with four-stud rims and 13″ tyres) were stolen, as well as those of the eight-berth dog trailer (with five-stud rims and 13″ tyres) and its spare wheel.

Trailers back on the road

By Monday afternoon the message was received that Kimberley’s “incredible community reminded that kindness always wins”.

Coastal Tool Hire and Tyres 360 sent out teams to equip both trailers with brand-new wheels.

“Our trailers are officially back on the road,” said Steyn.

Thanks to two anonymous donors who dropped funds into the SPCA’s bank account, the stolen spare wheel can be replaced too.

“To everyone who shared our plight, sent kind words, or offered support: Thank you. You turned a terrible situation into a beautiful reminder of local spirit.

“To prevent any further incidents, our trailers will be safely stored in an undisclosed, secure location,” Steyn said.

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