ISSUED JOINTLY BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERIES BOARD (NLB) AND THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (NSPCA)

Emotive e-mails headed “The SPCA is Closing Down” have been circulating for two years. The SPCA movement was never a party to these “petitions”. Statements made in the petition or e-mailed plea for signatures are inaccurate and were never checked with the NSPCA.

A media release to this effect was issued by the NSPCA in August 2002 stating: “We have recently been bombarded with these petitions as the e-mail address given to send them to “bounces back” mail. We appeal to people NOT to send them to us.”

The National Lotteries board issued a media statement in November 2003 advising that SPCAs “are indeed benefiting from the proceeds of the National Lottery. All organisations that meet the requirements laid down by the relevant Distributing Agency would be considered for funding from the proceeds of the National Lottery. A full list of beneficiaries is included in the Annual Reports of the National Lotteries Board and can be viewed on www.nlb.org.za”.

Since the inception of the National Lottery over R22 million has been allocated to animal welfare groups.

The NSPCA is unable to determine how or why this petition suddenly re-appeared or the existence of a variant of it. The valuable time and resources of the NSPCA are now being spent responding to queries on the issue and even trying to explain to irate people that the e-mail address given simply does not receive mail.

Initially, the NSPCA believed the person or people behind it were well-meaning but misguided. It has since been suggested that the mail may be a means of gathering e-mail addresses or a nefarious hoax.

It must be stressed that LOTTO funding is specific and relates to definite projects with budgets, business and implementation plans. Applicants have to show proof of registration as a non-profit organisation and also submit two years’ audited financial statements. These requirements are prescribed by the Lotteries Act and related regulations.

The SPCA movement finds itself frustrated with the petition over and above the issues raised. The NSPCA is not shy to go to the media with breaking news and reports – and would certainly issue bulletins on any impending closures through this channel, not using a “pass-it-on” e-mail.

There is also frustration that whilst people rush to “sign” this petition and bombard the NSPCA with copies, the very same people could do a great deal of good by actively assisting the SPCAs with regular donations or even by handing over unwanted items for sale, supporting fund-raising initiatives and so on. SPCAs are in urgent need of funding and depend on the public for income.

The NSPCA appeals to people to support the SPCA movement in a positive and meaningful way.

The NSPCA does not initiate chain-mails.

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