2017 brought many challenges to The Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. At the end of 2016 we were on the verge of collapse and we sent out an urgent appeal for assistance.

The response was resounding and we managed to avert the looming catastrophe - but as we have said before, the Society needs a constant stream of income. We do not generate sufficient income from our patients and re-homing facility to cover our costs and so depend very heavily on the generosity of the public.

The continuing downward spiral of the economy has exacerbated the situation and we are inundated with an alarming increase in the numbers of unwanted animals and cases of neglect and cruelty. Despite all the efforts to find homes for the strays, surrenders and abandoned animals, the numbers needing shelter, veterinary care and emotional support continue to rise. Back yard breeding, illegal importation of pure breeds and illegal vending of mixed breeds on the streets and on the internet result in fewer dogs being adopted from the animal shelters and sadly more and more dogs being dumped.

And so, once again, we find ourselves in a precarious financial situation and need to remind everyone that the survival of the SPCA is a community responsibility - everyone must participate in order to keep the facility open and functioning.

People do not like to hear about the ghastly reality of the necessity to put animals to sleep. Many people are appalled by the subject and ask why so many animals have to be euthanised Well - the fact is that the SPCA only has room for a certain amount of animals. The kennel facilities can house a maximum of 120 dogs and 100 cats comfortably.

At the end of November 2017, 6768 animals had passed through our Veterinary Hospital, 5315 of which were vaccinated and 1033 of which were admitted for in-house treatment. There are an average of between 6 and 8 surgeries performed a day, Monday to Thursday. Many of these treatments are done at a subsidized rate or for free as it is in our mandate that no animal in need is ever turned away.

The mobile clinic goes out to designated locations in the high density areas 5 days a week to treat, vaccinate and dip animals belonging to owners who cannot get their pets to our surgery. Any animals in need of in-house treatment are brought in and returned to their owners the following week when the mobile visits that place again. On average the mobile sees about the same amount of animals as the surgery, more if one counts the dogs that just come for dipping.

Our rehoming centre is home to about 200 animals all waiting for someone to come in and choose them. Pets range in size, colour, age and temperament. Selecting the pet most suitable to your household, family and lifestyle is of utmost importance. We are extremely lucky to have a team of dedicated volunteers who come out on a regular basis to exercise and socialise the animals, greatly improving their chances at finding a new home. Choosing an animal is not a quick process, a potential adopter needs to visit the kennels (with time to spare) in order to interact with the animals. Our kennel hands are there to assist with decision making. Dogs must be taken into the environmental enrichment area to allow you the chance to play with them and get a good idea about their character. The cattery is filled with an array of beautiful felines. Selecting a cat is incredibly difficult, especially as the cats do their best to attract attention by wrapping themselves around visitors’ legs, purring and begging for attention. Each cat has its own personality and there is such a variety of colour that it makes choosing very difficult.

It is undeniable, the truth hurts, but who is to blame? The Harare SPCA bears a huge burden on its shoulders, both financial and emotional. Management and staff are at work 365 days of the year and there is never a good day. Success stories of saved animals, rescues and the recovery and subsequent adoption of " the fighters", the animals with an incredible will to survive, bring a small, shining light into some very dark days.