An Ottery-based animal rescue recently welcomed a new veterinarian who hopes to make her mark in the community.
Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) announced the arrival of Dr Esté Spies last month. She will join a group of five other veterinarians at the animal-rescue centre.
Spies takes the reins from former veterinarian, Dr Natasha Clark, who left the organisation at the end of April after serving for five years.
ARO, originally known as the Voluntary Animal Rescue Organisation (VAR), was established in 1986 to combat the neglect and abuse of animals in the Old Crossroads area.
The only vet in her family, Spies, who graduated in 2016 from the University of Pretoria, has worked in animal welfare ever since.
Besides her affinity with animals and a desire to treat them she is fond of outdoor activities such as running, hiking, camping, birding and wildlife photography.
“I’ve always felt a strong connection to animals and knew from a young age that I wanted to work with them. That desire to help and advocate for the voiceless is what inspired me to pursue this path. I’m really excited to work with such a passionate team.
Joining ARO feels like a natural next step in continuing the kind of work I care most deeply about—making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.”
Spies said that despite her strong passion for treating sick animals she sees daily she still struggles to cope with processing the deaths that occur.
“Some cases stay with you forever, whether they have happy or heartbreaking endings. You find yourself deeply invested, sometimes for weeks or months, and it becomes personal. That emotional connection is both a highlight and a challenge.”
Education campaigns and door-to-door sterilisation clinics are a critical part of combating cases of animal abuse, Spies believes.
“The toughest part is seeing cases of neglect, abuse or cruelty, animals that have never known a gentle hand. That’s why I believe education and sterilisation are so critical to breaking those cycles. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many mass sterilisation campaigns, and those initiatives are some of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
ARO founder Lindsey Concer said she is thrilled to welcome Spies as the new leader of the hospital team.
“Her wealth of experience and the high regard in which she’s held by former colleagues speak volumes. With Dr Spies at the helm we’re excited to see ARO continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Spies said she hoped to continue hosting community-outreach campaigns to educate residents about protecting the well-being of their pets.
“My long-term goal aligns perfectly with ARO’s mission ‘To end the suffering of animals’. I hope to continue supporting this mission by focusing on community outreach, education and ongoing sterilisation efforts. Each sterilisation helps prevent future suffering, and this is work that I really believe in wholeheartedly.”
Concer said she was busy raising funds to launch their third Mobile Vet Clinic.
“This is a vital step in expanding our reach to animals in need. We’d truly appreciate any support from the public in the form of donations to help make this a reality.”
Concer also encourages the public to support their Mandela Day fundraiser, the Pack-a-Pet-Box Party, where visitors can spend 67 minutes supporting neglected animals and donating bags that will be filled with food, treats, and essentials like blankets, collars, and toys.
For more information about ARO, visit their website at https://www.animalrescue.org.za/ and to book tickets for their Pack-a-Pet-Box Party visit Quicket: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/314850-pack-a-pet-box-party-mandela-day-event#/
