The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and Uitenhage & District SPCA (SPCA) express concern following the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s sudden decision not to renew the Society’s municipal pound services contract and its instruction that the SPCA vacate the premises it has occupied for more than 50 years.
The SPCA’s pound services agreement expired on 27 October 2025. The SPCA engaged the Municipality in May 2025 regarding the tender process for renewal. A tender was eventually, but abruptly, opened between 19 and 30 December 2025, which, in the SPCA’s view, presented a limited submission window and requirements that were difficult to reconcile within the available timeframe. Requests for an extension were unsuccessful.
On 20 January 2026, the Society was verbally informed that it must vacate the office and clinic facilities immediately, and the remainder of the property by 20 February 2026.
Upon becoming aware of these developments, the NSPCA immediately engaged with the SPCA’s Management Committee to provide guidance and support from an animal welfare and governance perspective.
While the directive to vacate within a 30-day timeframe is of serious concern, both organisations wish to reassure the public that SPCA continues to operate and that there are currently no immediate or critical animal welfare risks. There is no current risk of euthanasia arising from this situation. Animal welfare remains the overriding priority.
Should circumstances change, established contingency measures include the coordinated relocation of animals to other SPCAs in the Eastern Cape to ensure their continued care. The SPCA’s Inspectorate can operate from any premises within its area of operation.
The SPCA has already taken steps to secure its long-term future and has identified a nearby property, with the owner currently awaiting a formal offer. While the site includes basic structures, substantial additional infrastructure, including kennels and other animal holding facilities, would need to be constructed. The purchase price of the property alone is approximately R2.7 million, excluding development and relocation costs.
The SPCA has appointed legal representatives and is being advised on the appropriate legal avenues available. The NSPCA will continue to monitor developments closely and support the Society where necessary, while respecting the independence and autonomy of its duly elected management committee.
The NSPCA and SPCA have raised serious concerns regarding whether sufficient facilities and resources are currently in place to ensure the welfare of animals impounded under the new service arrangements, and will be seeking clarity from the relevant authorities. The NSPCA and SPCA acknowledge the deep distress this situation has caused staff, volunteers, and the wider community, and recognise the Society’s long-standing role in protecting animals across Uitenhage, Despatch, Kirkwood, and the broader Nelson Mandela Bay area.
Both organisations remain committed to ensuring that the animals currently in the care of the SPCA are protected and that animal welfare services in the region are not compromised.
Both organisations remain committed to ensuring that the animals currently in the care of the SPCA are protected and that animal welfare services in the region are not compromised.
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