Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Rural challenges for SPCA

Empangeni SPCA Committee members for 2011/12 - (back) Lynne van den Heuvel, Sarah Lombard, Cheryl Kingon (Secretary), Shelley King, Irene Liversage, and Roland Fivaz -(Senior Inspector); (front) Estelle de Bruyn, Cheryl Whittaker (Vice Chairperson) and Karen Scruby (Chairperson)

The Empangeni SPCA is still facing challenges to effectively carry out much needed outreach work, especially in the rural areas. This was one of the concerns raised at the association’s well supported Annual General Meeting last Thursday at the Empangeni Country Club. Rural project expansion to serve communities who cannot afford veterinary services is a priority. Eighteen confirmed rabies cases in uThungulu have been reported since the beginning of the year. Vaccinations, de-worming and treating mange are paramount to the welfare of animals, as is the surveillance of animals which suffer neglect and abuse. Also on the wish list is repairs to the kennels, now 40 years old and in desperate need of upgrading. During the election of office bearers, the committee was left unchanged.