The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has decided to temporarily suspend services in parts of the city severely affected by taxi strike obstructions.
This comes as a result of the ongoing taxi strike and protest violence causing major route blockages in various parts of Cape Town, impacting the SPCA’s ability to provide services in various communities.
Also read: Taxi strike update: At least 35 arrests made by law enforcement services
Additionally, the strike has reduced the organisation’s operational capacity to 75% as many of its dedicated staff members are unable to reach its Grassy Park base.
The affected areas include:
- Khayelitsha
- Mitchells Plain
- Nyanga
- Philippi
- Brown’s Farm
- Eerste River
- Delft
- Mfuleni
The decision was made in light of protest violence-related incidents against branded vehicles.
In a Facebook post, the SPCA said that its staff members are working in pairs in areas it is able to reach to ensure staff safety and well-being. However, responses may be slightly slower as a result.
‘We understand the impact this has on both the animals in need of our help and the communities we serve,’ said chief inspector for the SPCA, Jaco Pieterse.
‘We want to assure the public that we are doing everything within our power to adapt to these difficult circumstances and to continue providing our essential services wherever possible.’
Pieterse continued, saying that services in the affected areas will resume as soon as it is safe to do so and adding that the safety of SPCA staff and animals-in-need remains its top priority.
The animal organisation said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in communication with the City of Cape Town through its inspector presence at the Joint Operation Centre.
Grassy Park facilities remain open and operational to continue providing animal care and support.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA / Facebook