The organisation has less than 20 days to vacate its current home, where it has served animals in need for more than five decades. There’s hope, but help is needed.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (02 February 2026) – In January, following a meeting with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, the Uitenhage SPCA was ordered to vacate the premises it has operated from for more than 50 years.
It is a massive blow.
The organisation has until 20 February to remove its assets and all animals from the property. Without anywhere to go, the animal welfare organisation now faces a crisis.
The SPCA has worked independently for decades, helping the community and animals of Uitenhage and surrounds.
Currently, the organisation has about 60 animals in its care. The new service provider has already taken occupancy of the premises, and the SPCA has been forced to make interim arrangements and is now operating from two shipping containers on the property.
The team is limited in what they can do, and face a massive hurdle ahead.
Left without any other choice, the SPCA must now find a new home. The greatest hope, as it stands, is for the organisation to purchase its own property where it can continue operating as an independent entity, with the very best regard and reputation for upholding high standards in animal welfare.
Getting there will require a strong show of support.
“It breaks our hearts to share this, but our SPCA now faces an unthinkable reality: we are homeless. The cruel irony is that the very organisation that protects the most vulnerable animals is now desperately in need of a safe, permanent home of its own. To ensure our doors never close — and that thousands more animals continue to receive care, protection and hope — we have established the Rebuild SPCA Fund.”
The SPCA has already identified a potential new home, but it won’t be possible without public support. In a plea for help, the organisation has created a crowdfund in the hopes of raising the funds needed to secure its new base.
“We have identified a property that could secure our future, but the challenge is immense,” the SPCA shared.
A target of R2.7 million has been set and the plea has been shared with businesses, community members, animal lovers and supporters locally and internationally. Help from all corners is needed to save the only animal welfare organisation serving Uitenhage (Kariega), Despatch, Addo, Kirkwood and surrounding areas.
Within a week of running, the crowdfund has reached 15% of its overall goal. Over 169 donors have stepped in to help. Still, there’s a long way to go and the SPCA needs more support.
“Every rand counts. No donation is too small. Each contribution brings us one step closer to protecting the animals who cannot protect themselves,” shares the SPCA. “Please help us rebuild, relocate and continue our lifesaving work. Together, we can give our animals — and our SPCA — a future.”
If you’d like to support the cause, follow this link.
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