13/08/2026
Please read below from Estcourt Animal Shelter .
To whom it may concern,
We at the Estcourt Animal Shelter are a privately run animal welfare organisation, established when the SPCA in our area closed down. We serve Estcourt and a vast rural area covering Loskop, Nthabamhlophe, Wembezi, Colita, and Fordeville. Our facility can house up to 40 dogs and 35 cats. Our operating expenses depend entirely on donations and fundraising initiatives — we receive no municipal or government assistance.
We have operated on an extremely tight budget for the past few years, since one of our two financial benefactors passed away. Without impacting the care of our animals, we have had to downscale our manager's role to two mornings a week. Our care staff remain on site seven days a week, feeding and cleaning for the animals. Regular donations of food, blankets, and cleaning materials have given us the means to provide the warmth and nutrition every animal deserves — for that we are immensely grateful. Pride has prevented us from requesting financial assistance until now. But as state and municipal organisations increasingly fail in their responsibilities — medical care for financially challenged communities, enforcing by-laws on animals roaming the streets — our role keeps expanding.
We currently operate within a R15,000 monthly budget, covering two cleaning staff, a minimal managerial post, electricity, and water. Thankfully, our fuel is donated, and a generous donation from the Polar Bear Swim has stabilised our vet bills. When we compare our budget to other rescue organisations, it's clear how much pressure falls on our volunteers, who give their time freely to fill the gaps — juggling full-time employment, family, and rescue work.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to pay a manager for at least a half-day position, five days a week. It feels impossible right now, but it is badly needed given the volume of calls for help from our expansive community area. There is an endless stream of reports of neglect and abuse that cannot be addressed without more hands. Both the SPCA and NSPCA have been unable to offer adequate assistance to the Estcourt Animal Shelter, citing their own lack of funding.
This leaves situations unresolved and the voiceless to suffer. Estcourt Animal Shelter prides itself on transparency of operations, taking on every case with the urgency it deserves, and uplifting animal welfare in our area through education, visible interaction, and telephonic support.
We need nothing short of a miracle to continue this work and build long-term sustainability for our cause.
Any assistance you may offer will be greatly appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Leigh Fortmann
Estcourt Animal Shelter (Chairperson)
