The Bloemfontein SPCA has launched an urgent appeal for donations to meet growing operational costs as it continues to rescue, treat and rehome animals across Bloemfontein and greater Mangaung. The organisation told OFM that a rising number of animals rely on the shelter for food, medical care and protection.
Shelter population and recent activity
At the time of the appeal the shelter was caring for approximately 55 dogs, 16 puppies and 13 cats. Over the most recent reporting year, from March last year to February this year, the SPCA said it treated a total of 2,363 animals.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Dogs treated | 1,519 |
| Cats treated | 844 |
| Animals reunited or rehomed | 676 (298 responsibly rehomed; 378 reunited with owners) |
Why donations are needed
Fundraiser Sarita Louw emphasised that while food donations help reduce immediate purchasing costs, the shelter urgently needs financial support to cover a wider range of expenses, including medication, veterinary treatment and shelter upkeep. She said ensuring animals have "everything they need, from food and medication to veterinary treatment and a safe place to stay" is the organisation’s top priority, according to OFM.
"Food donations are incredibly helpful because they reduce some of our immediate purchasing costs, but we urgently need financial support to cover the many other expenses involved in keeping the SPCA operating," said Bloemfontein SPCA fundraiser Sarita Louw, according to OFM.
SPCA chairperson Zaandré Campher highlighted that the figures are not merely statistics but represent individual animals and families: every animal reunited with its owner or placed into a responsible home is cause for celebration, the organisation said to OFM.
Workload and enforcement activity
The SPCA reported significant demand for its services beyond treatment and rehoming. During the reporting period the organisation conducted 69 animal cruelty investigations, issued 112 warnings, obtained six warrants and removed 169 animals in enforcement actions, according to OFM. The shelter also receives heavy volumes of enquiries, with about 4,000 telephone calls each month in addition to emails, WhatsApp messages and other requests for assistance.
- Current shelter population: 55 dogs, 16 puppies, 13 cats.
- Treated in reporting year: 2,363 animals (1,519 dogs; 844 cats).
- Reunited or rehomed: 676 animals (298 rehomed; 378 reunited).
How residents can help
The SPCA is appealing to Bloemfontein and Mangaung residents, local businesses and community groups to consider supporting the shelter. Options suggested include one-off donations, ongoing financial support, and food donations to offset immediate costs. The organisation also encouraged longer-term sponsorships from those able to provide regular assistance, according to OFM.
For residents considering assistance, the SPCA’s appeal underlines two practical priorities: donations of pet food reduce short-term outlay, while unrestricted financial contributions allow the shelter to budget for medical care, shelter maintenance and the costs associated with rehoming efforts.
With continued pressure on capacity and ongoing enforcement work, the Bloemfontein SPCA’s request is a timely reminder of the role community resources play in animal welfare. The organisation’s figures also show the scale of demand for animal services in the region and the value of reunification and responsible rehoming in reducing stray populations.
Those wanting to support the SPCA should contact the organisation directly for details about accepted items, donation drop-off points and banking details for monetary contributions, the appeal said to OFM.
