SPCA staff stay on to look after furry friends
|Published
NOT JUST A JOB: SPCA’s Jaco Pieterse NOT JUST A JOB: SPCA’s Jaco Pieterse
The good people of the Grassy Park Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) are spending their lockdown with their furry friends.
While their offices are officially closed, 23 members have volunteered to camp out in trailers and still care for the 500 cats, dogs, horses and other farm animals on the premises.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse says this is not just a job to them.
“Someone has to look after the animals and we were not going to risk staff travelling with public transport and staff members volunteered to stay,” he says.
“There was no capacity but FleetStar trailers sponsored four trailers normally used to accommodate film crews. Each trailer has three sleeping departments and this made things easier.
“Staff will be alternating weekly to stay over.”
They do, however, need donations to assist them, Pieterse said.
“We always need donations for animals, especially dogs and cats and for staff now to be fed. We would appreciate it if the public could donate money or items,” he adds.
“Our inspectors are still going out in the road as we’re receiving lots of calls of people who no longer want their animals, as they believe the Covid-19 virus is contractible via their pets.
“Others are seeking treatment for their animals as private vets are closed, so they turn to us.”
AVAILABLE: SPCA helping in lockdown
Spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Belinda Abraham says they are available 24/7.
“Those who are unable to care for their companions are encouraged to call 021 700 4158/9
for assistance.
“The SPCA remains committed to the prevention of cruelty to animals and will never turn any animal away, she said adding that they’re still available 24/7.
Call 021 400 4140
.