MEDIA STATEMENT

ISSUED ON MONDAY 01 AUGUST 2016

For and on behalf of the Highveld Ridge SPCA by the National Council of SPCAs.

CONTACT: JENNETH GEEL on 082 869 2329

The SPCA movement in South Africa stands together in expressing sincere condolences to the family, co-workers and friends of our colleague who tragically lost his life in the devastating fire that broke out at the Highveld Ridge SPCA in the early hours of Saturday 30 July 2016.

Our thoughts are prayers are with those close to him as we mourn the loss of an individual of compassion whose dedication to the upliftment of animals is recognised.

At approximately 03h00 on Saturday morning, a fire started in the living quarters on the premises of the Highveld Ridge SPCA. Two employees were asleep inside the building when it ignited. This resulted in one fatality and minor injuries to the fellow SPCA employee.

4 animals perished in the blaze.  The cause of the fire remains unknown.  

Store rooms, living quarters, personal possessions of staff as well as SPCA tools and machinery were destroyed. The entire examination room and first aid area were also destroyed including the examination table The total damage to property is roughly estimated at R800 000.00.

As the tragic loss of life is put above all else, there remains the fact that this SPCA needs to remain operational and is in dire need of assistance to enable it to continue working for the good of animals in the wide area it covers.

They need building materials, building contractors, kitchen and homeware appliances including a fridge, deep chest freezer and microwave. Individuals out of the area may support them by making donations into the account below: -

Highveld Ridge SPCA
FNB 
Branch 271444
Account 62218637489

The kindness and support of people in the area is acknowledged with deepest appreciation.