SPCA opens new branch in Henties Bay
Joins umbrella organisation in aid of animals in need
SPCA Henties Bay hopes to garner the support of the community and local authorities to tackle the serious challenges facing animals in the town while also supporting pet owners.
SPCA Namibia has announced the opening of its newest branch in Henties Bay on 1 December to address the large number of stray animals and animals in need of care in the town.
“Henties Bay is home to a large number of stray dogs and free-roaming dogs with homes that are not enclosed by a yard, which wander the town. Feral cats are also an issue. A large proportion of these wandering dogs are undersocialised or people-selective, are very difficult to catch, and can be a safety concern for people, other animals, and traffic,” the new branch’s manager Natasha Britz explained this week.
“I think our most important promise from SPCA Henties Bay to our community is that we aim to work together – our community, our municipality, our SPCA, and other hard-working animal welfare organisations and groups – to help the maltreated, abandoned, abused, unsterilised and unvaccinated animals that so much need us. Any support from our community means the world to us,” she added.
SPCA national director Hanna Rhodin said the new branch, formerly run as a private organisation known as Angel Animals Home, needed additional support and guidance to carry out the mandate in the town.
“They reached out to SPCA Namibia and enrolment discussions began, which included administrative paperwork, site visits and animal care plans," Rhodin explained.
Addressing needs of animals and people
Britz said Henties Bay is beset with the neglect of animals, and a more robust approach was needed.
“Some animals suffer from malnutrition and owners struggle to provide an adequate diet for their pets. Unfortunately, there is a big issue with ticks, fleas and mange affecting cats and dogs in Henties Bay”.
She added that in addition, unsterilised animals keep giving birth to either planned or unwanted litters, further putting strain on what often are already scarce food sources. Moreover, many pet owners are not able to afford veterinary care and medical treatment needed for their pets.
The SPCA Henties Bay’s animal shelter can currently house about 20 dogs and about 40 cats.
“We have 15 dog kennels, two cattery areas, six cat cages, ten boarding dog kennels, and a newly built green dog garden where dogs can play and potential adopters can meet their match,” Britz said.
Working to care for animals
She said the welfare organisation is also uniquely set up with boarding availability for horses, which currently house over 30 privately owned horses.
“The proceeds from the stables go directly to fund the SPCA operations and the care of the homeless pets,” she explained.
There are currently eight staff members split between taking care of the cats, dogs and horses.
Currently, the organisation does not have a vehicle to collect stray animals, “but we try our best to assist where we can,” Britz said.
Rhodin underlined that SPCA Henties Bay “has an incredibly hard-working and enthusiastic team who really want to make positive changes for homeless animals. Now, the SPCA Henties Bay can officially collaborate with their municipality, assist owners who are unable to keep their pets, investigate animal cruelty complaints, offer adoption of animals from the SPCA, and do the best that they can for the animals in their community.”
She also emphasised that financial and human resources are always a real consideration for any SPCA, which is a non-profit organisation.
“Henties Bay is home to a large number of stray dogs and free-roaming dogs with homes that are not enclosed by a yard, which wander the town. Feral cats are also an issue. A large proportion of these wandering dogs are undersocialised or people-selective, are very difficult to catch, and can be a safety concern for people, other animals, and traffic,” the new branch’s manager Natasha Britz explained this week.
“I think our most important promise from SPCA Henties Bay to our community is that we aim to work together – our community, our municipality, our SPCA, and other hard-working animal welfare organisations and groups – to help the maltreated, abandoned, abused, unsterilised and unvaccinated animals that so much need us. Any support from our community means the world to us,” she added.
SPCA national director Hanna Rhodin said the new branch, formerly run as a private organisation known as Angel Animals Home, needed additional support and guidance to carry out the mandate in the town.
“They reached out to SPCA Namibia and enrolment discussions began, which included administrative paperwork, site visits and animal care plans," Rhodin explained.
Addressing needs of animals and people
Britz said Henties Bay is beset with the neglect of animals, and a more robust approach was needed.
“Some animals suffer from malnutrition and owners struggle to provide an adequate diet for their pets. Unfortunately, there is a big issue with ticks, fleas and mange affecting cats and dogs in Henties Bay”.
She added that in addition, unsterilised animals keep giving birth to either planned or unwanted litters, further putting strain on what often are already scarce food sources. Moreover, many pet owners are not able to afford veterinary care and medical treatment needed for their pets.
The SPCA Henties Bay’s animal shelter can currently house about 20 dogs and about 40 cats.
“We have 15 dog kennels, two cattery areas, six cat cages, ten boarding dog kennels, and a newly built green dog garden where dogs can play and potential adopters can meet their match,” Britz said.
Working to care for animals
She said the welfare organisation is also uniquely set up with boarding availability for horses, which currently house over 30 privately owned horses.
“The proceeds from the stables go directly to fund the SPCA operations and the care of the homeless pets,” she explained.
There are currently eight staff members split between taking care of the cats, dogs and horses.
Currently, the organisation does not have a vehicle to collect stray animals, “but we try our best to assist where we can,” Britz said.
Rhodin underlined that SPCA Henties Bay “has an incredibly hard-working and enthusiastic team who really want to make positive changes for homeless animals. Now, the SPCA Henties Bay can officially collaborate with their municipality, assist owners who are unable to keep their pets, investigate animal cruelty complaints, offer adoption of animals from the SPCA, and do the best that they can for the animals in their community.”
She also emphasised that financial and human resources are always a real consideration for any SPCA, which is a non-profit organisation.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article