The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is determined to find a solution to the eviction of the Komani SPCA and says it is “diligently engaged in efforts to resolve the issues with the local municipality regarding the renewal of the lease agreement.”
This after Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality informed the Komani (formerly Queenstown) animal shelter in December that it would not extend its long-standing lease agreement beyond January 31.
When word got out about the SPCA’s pending eviction in Komani, generous donors came forward, with more than R90,000 raised to support the 50 animals in need.
After Daron Mann posted a video on Facebook highlighting the plight of the animals, people both inside and outside the country donated R92,230, as of Wednesday.
The NSPCA said the animals had been removed from the premises on Tuesday, raising questions about the future of the centre.
“The animals at the Queenstown SPCA have been relocated to the Qonce SPCA and East London SPCA, respectively, to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the animals. The animals will be put up for adoption and homed, provided that suitable homes are found for the animals,” NSPCA spokesperson Tercia Woest told the Dispatch.
“Even if the Queenstown SPCA should seize to exist, the money donated for the purposes of assisting animals will be utilised by surrounding SPCAs for the exclusive benefit of the animals in the Queentown SPCA’s area of operation,” she added.
Mann said a friend had alerted him to the SPCA branch’s plight.
“One of the most avid animal lovers I know alerted me to the plight of the Komani SPCA.
“She grew up in the town and still has a great fondness for it.
“I shared her sense of despair and alarm at what might happen to the animals there, and at her suggestion, I made the short video.
“I posted it on Thursday evening on my two separate Facebook profiles and traction on both has been very positive.”
One site has had 80,000 views and 4,300 shares, while on his second account, Mann’s Best Friends page had 36,000 views and 2,800 shares.
He said the reaction had been interesting.
“The public interest has definitely been greater than I anticipated and I feel encouraged by that.
“It was most heartening to have it demonstrated that, despite all the differences we might have, most people agree that an injustice is taking place here and want to oppose it.
“I sense genuine care and concern from everyone for the wellbeing of the dogs and cats whose lives are at risk through none of their own doing.”
He said most of the donations were small ones that had made a huge impact.
“The sum was made up of multiple relatively small donations rather than just a few big donors pitching in.
“Truly it’s a case of collective community effort meaning that many trickles turned into a river.
“The video was never about seeking donations and I make no mention of that at all.
“The purpose of my post was primarily to highlight the plight faced by Queenstown SPCA and to get their animals adopted.”
The video was also intended to create awareness among people and have them lobby the municipality to reverse its decision as well as source alternative premises.
“At about 20,000 views on the video, a follower remarked that if every viewer contributed R20 a month the SPCA would not be in the vulnerable position it continually finds itself in.
“That’s when I posted their bank details.
“I am in no doubt whatsoever that any funds raised will be wisely spent in pursuit of animal welfare, but have told anyone who asks that if they feel uncomfortable about parting with cash then I strongly advise them not to do so.
“They can still support the campaign by adopting, lobbying or sharing the story.”
He had been surprised by the level of support.
“There has been so much support from outside the province.
“There have been donations, interest in adoptions and general support from all over SA and even beyond our borders.
“We’ve heard from Germany, the UK and US, for example, and internally from all major centres down to tiny little towns like Clarens and Naboomspruit [Mookgophong].”
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