Swakopmund SPCA ‘going to the dogs’

The Swakopmund SPCA might have to close its doors to the public and to the hundreds of pets finding shelter there, if sponsors are not found soon.

The Swakopmund Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is in dire financial problems and in order to make ends meet, it was decided to close the animal shelter in the mornings.

Peter Witt, Chairperson of the SPCA, explains that the SPCA has been forced to reduce the opening hours for the public in order to provide the best service for their pets.

The operational hours are now from Monday to Friday from 14:30 to 17:30 and Saturdays, Sundays as well as public holidays from 15:30 to 17:30.

During the holiday periods (Christmas and Easter), the kennels will be open during the morning hours and boarding (over-night stays for pets) can be arranged.

“There were also rumours that the organisation has to close entirely because of the very tough financial situations. Unless we are able to find some permanent sponsors (companies and / or private persons) who could assist us to cover the basic cost in order to keep the shelter running, we will have to close it permanently.”

Witt explains that the “new” pets have to spend one week in quarantine, in order to prevent other companions from catching any diseases. If the state of health of an animal is very bad, the local vet will be consulted immediately.

“Fortunately, many pets are claimed by their owners not long after they have been rescued. Unfortunately, there are also numerous cases where dogs or cats have been found in such a bad state or condition – underfed for a long period of time or badly mistreated – that we have no other choice but to put them to sleep.”

According to Witt, the decision to put an animal to sleep is the hardest of all and is never made alone. “The decision has always been made by the team, never only by one person. It is hardly possible to imagine how to shoulder those steps.”

The animal shelter was founded in 1970 and has always been managed as an independent welfare organisation. It is financed purely by donations and membership fees.

Altogether nine staff members have been looking after the “inhabitants”.

click to enlarge SAVE US: Amongst the many dogs calling the Swakopmund SPCA home is this unnamed puppy of unknown breed © Natascha Herboth