After more than a decade of providing care and protection to vulnerable animals, the branch has officially closed its doors due to mounting financial and operational challenges. The organisation assures residents that animal welfare services in Vanderbijlpark will continue without interruption.

The Vereeniging SPCA will continue to service the Vanderbijlpark area and surrounding areas, including Midvaal, Emfuleni, and parts of Metsimaholo such as Sasolburg and Deneysville.

The branch, which came under the management of the Vereeniging SPCA in 2014 following governance concerns, had since relied on support from its sister branch. 

In 2015, the two were formally merged, but for years, the financial burden of maintaining services in Vanderbijlpark was largely carried by Vereeniging.

“The facility had been without electricity for several years, despite ongoing engagement with the municipality, which significantly limited operations,” said National Council of SPCAs communications head Samanta Stelli.

“In addition, the premises became costly to maintain, were located in an increasingly unsafe area, and were difficult to access due to poor road conditions. Public utilisation of the facility was also minimal.”

Following a special general meeting held on 12 November 2022 and subsequent NSPCA board approval, the decision was made to close the branch and sell the property as the only viable and responsible course of action, she said.

Services that will continue at the Vereeniging SPCA include responding to animal cruelty complaints, conducting inspections and investigations, assisting injured and stray animals, and carrying out welfare interventions.

The SPCA has issued an urgent appeal to residents and businesses to support ongoing efforts. Community involvement, whether through financial donations, volunteering, reporting animal cruelty, or promoting responsible pet ownership, is critical to sustaining these essential services.

“There are broader sustainability concerns affecting SPCAs across the country. In this case, the Vereeniging SPCA now services a significantly larger geographic area, with inspectors travelling long distances, resulting in high fuel and operational costs.

“Every donation keeps a vehicle on the road, every rand helps treat an injured animal, and every act of caring gives a voice to animals that cannot speak for themselves,” said the organisation.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.