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SPCA Rustenburg
December 2011 Vol. 1 Issue 2
11 Escom street
Rustenburg
0300
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E: Nadine.townsend@gmail.com
Office: 014 592 3181
Emergency:
Other: 079 889 5413
Fireworx!
Cats and dogs are able to hear a wider range of sound,
and softer sounds than humans. This is also why dogs
and cats are so scared by the sound of fireworks which,
to us, do not seem so loud. They are in fact at least 5
times louder to our pets!
Our handy guide to pet owners is:
1. Ensure that all animals have identification
2. If possible, stay home with them, keep them inside
and preferable in a room such as the kitchen where
the windows are higher
3. Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains
4. Put familiar and comforting things around them, such
as toys, baskets etc
5. Provide them with something to do such as giving
your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip for felines
6. If your pets do react badly to fireworks then seek
professional advice from your vet
7. Why not ensure your pets have a hearty and
nutritious meal around nightfall. This will make them
<strong>more</strong> likely to be sleepy.
"Animals are a beautiful part of creation. They
are dependent on our kindness and compassion
for their well-being. As we move forward in the
new South Africa, let us never forget that our
animals are part of our society and that we, as
responsible people, are duty-bound to take care
of them in the best possible way." – Derek
Hanekom

December 2011 Vol. 1 Issue 2
Bow wow wow…Merry Christmas!
We are standing at the end of the year…my how
time flies. We would like to wish all the animal
lovers out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year. Please travel save over the festive
season.
Remember we do have boarding facilities where
the animals will be safe and looked after,
especially during the horrible times of fire
crackers. A lot of animals tend to get out and run
away. If they board with us you will have peace at
heart that they will be safe.
To the committee, we would like to thank each
one for their hard work and dedication during
another year. It has been a rollercoaster ride and it
takes a special kind of person to stick with us
through it all.
Please think twice before buying/adopting an
animal as a Christmas present. They tend to be
amusing only for a week or so. The SPCA does not
support the notion of giving animals as gifts.
Thank you to the public who keep supporting us
even at the end of the year when things are tight.
You will make Christmas special for the animals
too.
We are looking forward to a new year with new
opportunities, hope and support for our four
legged friends.
SPCA Rustenburg
Pets as gifts…
“Amazing gift ideas on page 21. Gifts that, unlike
pets, can be switched off, packed away and ignored
when the novelty wears off.”
Let’s start by stating the obvious and dispelling any
possible misunderstanding. The SPCA movement in
South Africa supports and endorses responsible pet
adoption. What we don’t support is the giving of pets
as surprise presents - like the guy who gave his
girlfriend a puppy on Valentine’s Day or the family
that surprised granny with a kitten on Mothers Day
and so on. The SPCA Statement of Policy is clear –
and opposes giving animals as gifts.
There is a difference - not a subtle difference but a
huge one.
We’ll try and demonstrate what we mean. You’re
probably well aware of the problems faced by SPCAs
over the festive season. You’ve no doubt <strong>read</strong> about
the influx of animals before Christmas. Have you ever
thought about the number of animals brought into
SPCAs after Christmas? They’re the ones that have
probably been “impulse buys” for the minds at
Christmas and when the novelty has worn off or it’s
time to go back to school.............................
"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of
you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because you
lap is warmer." ~ Alfred North Whitehead

December 2011 Vol. 1 Issue 2
A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest
town, which he planned to visit on his vacation.
He wrote, "I would very much like to bring my dog
with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved.
Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in
my room with me at night?"
An immediate reply came from the hotel owner,
who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many
years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal
towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the
walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle
of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And
I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes,
indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel, and if
your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay
here, too!"
PHOTOSHOOT COMPETITION
Roxanni Bekker, a local photographer
has sponsored a photoshoot for a
family of 6 plus their pets. Tickets
cost R20 and are available at the
office!
For any donations:
ABSA
Branch code: 632005
Account no: 9254370036
Savings
"Dogs come when they're called; cats take
a message and get back to you later."

Give animals a life worth living and help create a safer future for them
Bequests…
What is a bequest?
A bequest is a gift, usually to a charity, that is provided for in a Will. Many people wish to make a contribution towards the
betterment of a society via their favourite cause as well as providing for their family and friends.
What forms can a bequest take?
Bequests can take the form of cash, real estate, personal property or even a percentage of an estate – either as an outright
bequest or placed in a trust.
It is also possible to allocate the residue of your estate.
You could even sign over an existing life insurance policy or take out a new one naming your favourite SPCA as the
beneficiary.
How will my bequest help to protect animals?
The SPCA movement is not government funded. The SPCA movement is reliant on donations of caring, supportive
individuals, like you to continue work. The SPCA is uncovering <strong>more</strong> and <strong>more</strong> cases of cruelty to animals, which we fight
24hours a day, every day of the year.
We are also under continually increasing pressure to provide free or subsidized veterinary services to indigent people and to
residents of areas where there are no State or private veterinary services.
SPCA’s do not turn any needy animals away, which means that the numbers of unwanted, abandoned and stray animals
grow daily. The cost of facilities and services places a heavy financial burden on our shoulders.
The cost of education is also high. It carries a high value in changing the way people think about and care for animals. Every
donation helps and is appreciated, no matter how small.
What if I wish to change my mind
The law protects your right to cancel your bequest at later stage if you wish to do so if your circumstances so dictate.
Who is qualified to draw up a will?
Bankers, accountants, lawyers and financial consultants are skilled in drawing up wills.
How do I make sure that my bequest goes to the correct SPCA?
It is essential that a specific SPCA (or the NSPCA) is specified in your will. Not only should the individual SPCA be named
but it might be prudent to add “currently situated at (with the physical and postal address included)”.
People often think that if “the SPCA” is stated in a Will, it is obvious to which SPCA the bequest should be allocated. But
people move. The local SPCA where a person lived –perhaps 15 years ago – may not be the same as the one in the area
where the donor now resides.
Avoid confusion and potential delays. Be specific from the start. After all, you would want your money to reach your specified
SPCA as quickly as possible.
Please use the wording: “I bequeath to the SPCA Rustenburg the sum of…”
If you wish to leave the sum of money or assets to <strong>more</strong> than one SPCA – then just say so. Just ensure that you name the
SPCAs specifically.
Please also add that in the event of that specific SPCA no longer being in operation, that your bequest goes to the NSPCA to
be held for use in the area that your favourite SPCA served.