The impact of the COVID pandemic is escalating and led to people finding themselves without financial means, resulting in many of them having to downscale and to surrender their pets. The impact thereof affected the Uitenhage & District SPCA in many ways.
“This year has been a really bad year for the SPCA with the increasing number of surrenders by people not financially able to take care of their pets anymore.
“We have battled, but we have got through owing to the incredible support from the community,” said Deirdré Swift from the Uitenhage & District SPCA Management Board.
“We know people are having hardships of their own financially but we are grateful for the support of those who still open their hearts to the plight of the animals in need in our community.
“Thank you to everybody, from the public to small businesses and companies that have come on board this year. Not only for their financial support, but also goods received. We need money, but we also need goods.
“Thank you also to all supporting our charity shop. It has generated a source of income which we never had before. Thank you for making your unwanted goods our wanted goods which eventually contribute to the welfare of the animals in the community.”
The SPCA also thank all the local businesses which allow for the association to put their collection tins at pay points. It has been a tremendous financial help to the SPCA over the course of 2021.
Pets during festive season
Get a house sitter when you are going on holiday.
“If you are planning to go away, please make provision for your pets. The ideal situation is to have a house sitter on your property, as pets are often not used to being left alone for such a long period.
“Animals behave differently from the way they normally behave when their owners are at home. So, when you are away and there might be inclement weather or fireworks and your pets are frightened of loud noises, they become traumatized because there is nobody at home to manage the situation.
Inform your house sitter who your veterinarian is in case of a medical emergency and that if the pet is not on the property first to contact the SPCA.
“If an animal comes to the SPCA as a stray, it is kept at the kennels for seven days, after which it becomes the property of the SPCA and is put up for adoption.”
The SPCA also encourages pet owners when they are on holiday not to arrange for garden services or any construction work to be done on the property.
Pay it forward – spoil SPCA staff
If you would like to pay it forward this Christmas, consider donating either financially or by means of goods, not only to the animals at the SPCA, but also to brighten up this Christmas for the 15 member staff who take care of the animals at the kennels.
Jumble sale and adoption day
The Uitenhage & District SPCA’s last jumble sale and adoption day of the year will be held on Sunday, 19 December.
- The office of the Uitenhage & District SPCA will be closed on 25th, 26th & 27th December and 1st January 2022.
In case of emergencies please call 082 905 4716.
