KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) is struggling financially as funding from the municipality all but dries up. Last month, the municipality paid R100 000 into KAWS' bank account, the first disbursement the non-profit had received from the municipality since June 2020.
"The agreed amount (in funding from the municipality) has been at least R250 000 per annum," Belinda Speed, the manager of the KAWS, said. This amounts to a funding shortfall by the municipality of at least R900 000, according to the KAWS.
Speed said the lack of municipal disbursements had forced the KAWS to curtail its operations.
"It has limited our operations significantly, especially in terms of being able to conduct regular and impactful outreaches within the surrounding communities.
There is some important maintenance needed for equipment and the property - this all eats into our reserves.
"Our monthly costs are in excess of R380 000 per month - this includes salaries, fuel, food, cleaning supplies, etc," she said.
Private donors
Private donors had been assisting the KAWS during the absence of disbursements from the municipality.
"We are very lucky and grateful to have a strong group of supporters who provide us with donations, either monthly via our Club101 initiative, or through ad hoc fundraisers and donations," Speed said.
"We also have regular donations of food, blankets and towels, which we are always in desperate need of. Local companies are also extremely supportive of our organisation, and provide regular donations."
Earlier, she said to pay its food bill, the KAWS needed more than R20 000 a month.
"We are always in need of food. At any given time we have around 25 cats up for adoption, with several waiting in the wings, and around 30 dogs, plus all our hospital patients.
Drop-off points
"We spend in excess of R20 000 per month on food, so any and all donations are always welcome. We have several drop-off points in Knysna, including Super Spar, Pet Pool and Home, Absolute Pets, George Rex (Veterinary Clinic) and Knysna ((Veterinary Clinic).
"We have so many animals that pass through our doors every day. Many of the animals are surrendered as their owners are not able to find pet-friendly accommodation in Knysna.
"We also have a lot of unclaimed strays who, once their 'pound period' is up (seven days), are able to be placed for adoption.
"We are finding more and more families are not able to keep their pets because they cannot afford to look after them, or they are moving to accommodation that is not pet-friendly.
"Some move overseas and cannot afford the exorbitant fees for pet transport. Others just don't want their animals anymore, or have allowed their pets to breed unnecessarily, and they then surrender the entire litter of puppies or kittens and the moms to us.
'Incredible town'
"Education is key here - sterilisation of animals is so important to prevent unnecessary (and illegal) breeding of animals.
"Landlords should also be more open-minded about renting out their accommodation to families with pets.
"KAWS is an integral part of the framework of Knysna as a town.
"We are always looking for volunteers, either at our kennels, cattery, or in our charity shop.
"We invite everyone to join our fundraising events. We cannot function as an organisation without the support from the public - Knysna is an incredible town, with many generous and loving residents who we are so grateful for."
The municipality was asked to comment on its agreed disbursements to the KAWS, and when it is received, it will be published.
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