As a result of recent alarmist messages being circulated, especially on social media, SPCAs with fewer resources and in greater need are being penalised, said the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).<\/p>\n
(One such \u201calarmist\u201d incident was covered in the GCN dated June 9: \u201cSPCA reacts to fake news post about closing down\u201d<\/a>).<\/p> A statement was issued by the NSPCA to bring clarity and accuracy to the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the smaller SPCAs, which tend to be situated in distant, rural areas, which have the greatest need for funds.<\/p> \u201cNot only do they cover vast areas in terms of animal welfare but they also battle to raise funds from a generally impoverished population,\u201d said the statement.<\/p>\n For this reason, the \u201cSPCA Inspectorate Support Fund\u201d was established.<\/p>\n The statement read: \u201cSocial media messages from the treasurer of the Germiston SPCA referred to this fund, misleadingly and deceptively, advising that the NSPCA takes 40 per cent of income from a specific bank account of the Germiston SPCA.<\/p>\n \u201cThe SPCA Act No 169 of 1993 governs the movement in South Africa, in terms of which, each branch generating income via the internet must have a separate bank account for which such funds are paid.<\/p>\n \u201cThe movement stood together and made a gesture of goodwill towards the struggling SPCAs who do not have the expertise, resources or financial investment potential to enable them to generate income via websites or on similar platforms.<\/p>\n \u201cThe agreement is that 40 per cent of income generated through the internet and similar platforms is allocated to the Inspectorate Support Fund and duly distributed where it is most needed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this fund is administered by the NSPCA, the income is redistributed and not retained by us.\u201d<\/p>\n The statement added that this is transparent and clearly stated on the websites or other online pages of SPCAs.<\/p>\n For example, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA clearly states: \u201cWe would like you to know that not only will your donation directly benefit the animals in our area but, through a sharing agreement between all SPCAs nationwide, a portion will be used in other, less fortunate areas to benefit animals over a wider area. We feel sure you will approve of this outreach initiative and wish to thank you most sincerely for supporting our branch and the movement generally.\u201d<\/p>\n The NSPCA and the individual SPCAs throughout the country echo this sentiment and urge you to continue supporting your local SPCA, the statement concluded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n