One of the first questions people ask is if the government supplies the SPCA with funds.
The answer to that one is an unfortunate no. This leaves the SPCA in a precarious position – because they then have to try and get funds somewhere else or by other means.
This leaves the task of getting funds up to the SPCA – and there are a few ways that the SPCA can get funds. This doesn’t include things like adoptions – because those costs go straight to the vet. Public support is important – and not everyone likes the SPCA or the way they might go about some things. This leads to the closure of SPCAs around the country. The unfortunate thing is – people would rather support a no-kill shelter than have to face that animals have to get euthanized at the SPCA – and that the SPCA also can’t home under certain conditions out of area. The fact that there is more animals than homes won’t change people’s minds either – unfortunately, a lot of people would rather an animal sit in a kennel than get euthanized. Euthanizing is an unpopular opinion in a lot of people’s minds.
So – this can lead to limited financial support. And without support – the SPCA also can’t help the ones in the community who are in need – especially those in rural areas/townships/settlements, because those are the areas that need help and education. The SPCA also only have limited resources – they can’t be everywhere at once and can’t do everything at once. This is something else I’ll be addressing in a later paragraph.
One of the first ways the public can support the SPCA is by sponsoring a kennel – and a person can sponsor as much as they can afford on a monthly basis. This helps with the day to day running of the SPCA.
The next best way to support the SPCA is via donations – and whatever the person can afford: dog/cat food, treats, cleaning materials, paying vet bills, blankets, stationery, fuel for SPCA vehicles, etc. The list could go on and on in this area.
Another way is if the SPCA has a charity/second hand shop – the money from there goes directly to the SPCA.
Here are some other ways the SPCA can get funds:
Occasionally, the Lotto helps with funds – but this is money that goes to outreaches, to places and people who can’t afford things like vet fees, medication, sterilization, or are in places where there is no vet nearby. This is NOT money that helps people who CAN afford vet fees. Proof of income is usually required in circumstances like this – so if you earn over a certain amount – you CAN afford vet fees (the only problem is what you choose to prioritize with what you earn).
Also, when the SPCA does fundraising, do what you can to support the cause. Depending on what is going on at that particular SPCA, fundraising might only happen on a very periodic basis. Fundraising is one of the ways that the SPCA gets funds in.
SPCA is one of the very few organizations in South Africa that’s allowed to tackle cruelty on an officer level. There aren’t many animal welfare organizations that can do this – which is why support is needed. Tackling cruelty is the main priority of the SPCA – and as the SPCA’s get fewer and fewer in the country, it makes cruelty a lot harder to tackle.
As always, please always practice responsible pet ownership.
Blog Post By Your Pet Caring Friend,
Carmen Harris.
