By Sonica Naudé-Steyn

The closure of the Kokstad SPCA in 2023 put a lot of strain on local animal welfare with limited small animal pound services and local organisation, Paws and Peeps left to fill the void.
Last year the news of the imminent closure of Paws and Peeps had locals concerned for the future of animal welfare in the greater Kokstad area. It was during this time that three brave locals stepped up and established the non-profit organisation, Paws of Hope Animal Welfare.

Enadi (Dixon), together with her husband, Gerhard Grobbelaar and friend, Nadia Mulder established the organisation with a dedication to making a difference in the lives of animals in need. Since then Paws of Hope have been instrumental in a number of local rescues of animals in need, fostering, medical care, feeding, re-homing and assisting local pet owners in need. Support from the local community in terms of financial donations, volunteering and general assistance has been remarkable and has allowed the organisation to grow by leaps and bounds.

Financial support and donations remain of the utmost importance especially in terms of medical costs. The organisation has established an account with local veterinarian services, EG Vets and those wanting to contribute are encouraged to make donations towards the Paws of Hope account. Financial donations can also be made in the following account: Paws of Hope, FNB, Account: 63185084498, Branch code: 250655.
Currently the biggest challenge faced by the organisation is acquiring permanent premises, however organisers are in talks with possible venues and hope to soon secure a permanent home for Paws of Hope.

In the interim, Paws and Peeps have managed to remain afloat despite the closure of their premises at Heathmans. The organisation is currently based at the pound (former Kokstad SPCA) and are in continued negotiations with the Greater Kokstad Municipality regarding the premises and duties fulfilled by the organisation. Work on repairing the facilities at the former SPCA are underway and any assistance or donations in terms of repairs to the kennels, pens, cattery and gardens will be greatly appreciated.

Paws and Peeps and Paws of Hope are supplementing animal welfare services and continue to work together. A big thank you to everyone who has donated, contributed or supported any of these organisations, especially those local volunteers who have put in many hours on maintenance at the pound premises and many more who have given donations of pet food and other items. For more information or to contact any of the involved organisations please contact: Paws of Hope – 068 901 6418; Limso Pound (large animals) Chesta – 083 363 6651 and Paws and Peeps (Michelle) – 074 927 0409.

Please also be on the lookout for any fundraising efforts conducted by the organisations. Paws of Hope have asked for donations for an upcoming ‘white elephant sale’ and have now also started dog grooming services. There are also collection points at local stores for pet food donations as well as donation tins.

Paws of Hope members and volunteers hosting a colour walk in December last year to create awareness and raise funds for the growing animal welfare organisation.