SPCA celebrates 75 years of service
Helping animals in need
This year, the SPCA celebrates 75 years of care for animals, their protection and welfare.The SPCA was established in 1949 in Windhoek, and this 75th milestone would not have been possible without everyone’s hard work and commitment.
“The dedication of generations of animal advocates is not lost on today’s SPCA team,” National Director Hanna Rhodin says. “Caring about animals, fighting for their protection and enhancing their welfare has been ongoing. It has taken members, committee members, management, inspectors, employees and volunteers tireless hours rescuing, nurturing, protecting and rehoming animals.”
She says that each team has played an integral role in transforming the lives of countless animals and contributed to the advancement of the next team and generation of animal advocates.
In Windhoek, what started as modest kennels, has grown into 96 dog kennels, 39 intake cat cages, five large catteries, and seven small animal kennels; today we can care for as many as 400 animals at any given time. The SPCA has a fully functioning veterinary clinic and theatre to provide the best possible care for the animals it offers a haven for.
“Across Namibia, the organisation has found forever homes for thousands of pets, provided essential medical care, and created a community where love and kindness flourish.”
The last six years
After years of operating independently, the SPCAs were brought together in 2018/2019 and now work closely together. The branches report directly to SPCA headquarters in Windhoek. Since then, significant efforts have been placed on corporate governance and capacity building, providing strategic direction, administrative coherence, reporting compliance, and training opportunities whilst providing guidance and support.
“Since commencing national reporting requirements, the SPCAs have collectively rescued 29 323 animals over the past six years and assisted many more along the way,” Rhodin says.
“It is with immense gratitude that the SPCA thanks our members, donors, sponsors, partners, advocates, adopters, volunteers and clients who have all contributed to the organisation’s success and enabled the SPCA to be there for some of the most vulnerable animals in our communities - those in need of a haven. The loyalty and love shown by each of you inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence,” Rhodin says.
She adds that thanks to everyone’s support and generosity, the SPCA can continue the important fight for the welfare of animals in Namibia and continue their work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals who deserve a second chance at life.
Here’s to the future
As the society celebrates their achievements and the lives they have touched, they also honour the teamwork and perseverance that brought the SPCA to this moment.
“Here’s to the future, as we continue our mission together, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all animals. Thank you for being the heart of our SPCA. Together, we have created a legacy of compassion, and we cannot wait to see what the next 75 years hold!”