We caught up with SPCA Durban and Coast’s new general manager, Caroline Smith, at home in Mount Edgecombe to find out what’s happening in the world of animal welfare
story and pictures lee currie
During our interview there was a small drama in the kitchen involving a water pipe, Caroline’s seven-year-old daughter Cara was looking for help with her homework, and the dogs were having a verbal altercation with the neighbour’s dogs – just another day in the life of a career woman juggling work, home and kids. In this case it’s a career with a difference, and one that’s certainly making a difference. Without the SPCA and the dedicated people involved in the organisation, the plight of our animals in need would be unimaginable – whether they’re abandoned kittens, tortured dogs, or pets whose owners cannot afford to pay for treatment.
Caroline spent 12 years as marketing manager before becoming general manager. She smiles as she recalls that her original intention was to volunteer in her spare time. She explains: “I love animals and wanted to do something to help. I contacted the Durban and Coast SPCA and was given a form to fill in. A short while later I was surprised to get a phone call from the GM, Chris Matheson, who wanted to see me with a view to a position in marketing, based on my extensive background in sales and marketing.
“I joined what was then a non-existing marketing department in 2002 and built it up from scratch, loving every minute of watching it develop. Welfare organisations must be run like a business in order to succeed, and getting the word out is vitally important whatever you’re ‘selling’. I’ve always looked at marketing holistically. Whatever awareness you create is part of the bigger picture – whether they’re collection tins at shopping centres, book sales or an appeal in the mail.”
Over the years, the internet has made a huge difference in generating interest and, most importantly, making it easy for people to donate by pressing a few keys. Interestingly, despite this technology, Caroline says that “snail mail” appeals still have a good success rate.
Times are far from easy though. “As the economy worsens we get busier, with more abandoned pets or people who can’t afford medical help for their pets coming to our clinics.
“We’ve have had wonderful support from the Durban public and made many friends. They are the heart of our organisation. Apart from our dedicated staff we have a band of amazing volunteers who do anything from sorting books to walking dogs. Some have been with us for decades.”
Sadly, neglect, abuse and brutal cruelty are issues the society has to deal with on a daily basis. They’re currently developing software that will allow inspectors to submit reports on site, thus allowing them more time to rescue animals. Caroline is quick to point out that abuse and neglect occur in all areas and socio groups. “Our inspectors have been called out to horrific cases in affluent areas – in contrast we recently treated a dog belonging to a woman who had travelled a long distance on foot from an impoverished area with her injured dog in her arms.”
Caroline admits that she’s passionate about securing convictions for cruelty to animals. “The process can be lengthy and frustrating, but we’ve had some successes recently. While the punishment may not fit the crime, the owners end up with a criminal record, which should hopefully serve as a deterrent. Some of the cases are so horrific that our inspectors have had to receive counselling. We have to learn to emotionally distance ourselves to be able to function efficiently.”
On the emotive and often controversial issue of euthanasia, the society sometimes comes under fire from the public. “On average only about nine percent of our dogs and six percent of our cats are adopted. It’s a very difficult and heartbreaking decision to have to make … but someone has to do this.”
To this end, Caroline is determined to increase the adoption rate. “Rather than buying from what are often backyard breeders, people can come to the SPCA or even look at our website to adopt a pet. We have some really delightful dogs and cats just waiting to be taken to loving homes.
“Our organisation is focused on doing the right things and doing them well. As long as humans continue to abuse, neglect and abandon animals, we must be here to speak for them.”
Their premises in Springfield are well worth a visit; there’s a shop where you can by quality second-hand items from rare books to sofas, well-priced pet products, and there’s a coffee shop. The society also depends entirely on donations from the public. *
For more about donations, adoptions and their wish list go to: www.spcadbn.org.za
031 5796510