People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has made renewed calls on law enforcement agencies to safeguard staff when entering communities.
The PDSA terminated its mobile clinic in Kensington earlier this month due to ongoing “harassment and threats” directed at staff. The animal welfare organisation made the announcement on Facebook.
“Due to ongoing harassment and threats directed at our staff by unsavoury individuals, the PDSA mobile clinic will terminate its services to the Kensington community,” read the post.
Veronica Nel, PDSA hospital manager, said they have been working in the area for over 10 years.
She said about three years ago they also decided to terminate services due to safety but later reinstated it following a meeting with the ward councillor and other safety structures in the community.
“When we relaunched the clinic, we were assured by the relevant authorities that adequate protection would be provided during our operational hours.
“Unfortunately, these assurances have not been upheld, leaving our staff vulnerable and forcing us to prioritise their safety.”
According to Nel, they were forced to abruptly discontinue services again earlier this month for the same reasons.
“There are active gang members there that not only target our staff, but they have also threatened them, demanding services. We know this is a service that the community needs. It’s a busy clinic for us.”
Nel added that they were initially allowed to park the mobile vehicle at the community hall, but this later became unavailable.
“Over time our staff could not get into the enclosed area and had to park outside the property. This again led to them being threatened. Not only our staff were being threatened, residents who came there with their animals were also being targeted.
“We had an agreement. I made it clear that as soon as they do not uphold their side of the agreement, we cannot put the safety of our staff and clients at risk.”
She said while they were saddened to end this service, they remain committed to animal welfare.
“For any sick or injured animals, our Bridgetown hospital remains open, and our mobile clinic continues to operate in Ruyterwacht every Friday. Alternatively, the Animal Anti-Cruelty League in Epping is also available.”
Nel called on law enforcement agencies to prioritise mobile animal welfare facilities.
“The Cape Animal Welfare Forum consists of over 60 welfares and all face safety issues with mobile vehicles. We sometimes call on law enforcement and they do assist us but there is simply not enough resources to escort us.”
Nel said they would be ready to return to the Kensington area if their safety can be guaranteed.
Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor, said when he took office two years ago, he met with the PDSA and asked them to return to return to the area. He promised security by neighbourhood watch, law enforcement, and police.
“They would come every second Friday, and they would then park in the parking lot at the civic centre. The security would be there either neighbourhood watch, police or law enforcement.”
According to Steenberg, the latest incidents of threats and intimidation were not communicated to him.
“The incident that has now forced them to withdraw from the area was not brought to my attention formally. Whilst I made the commitment stating that I will gather all the resources they did not report these incidents so that we could monitor the situation and inform police and law enforcement.
“I was also not informed that the gates are locked. All they had to do was inform me that the gate was not open.”
Steenberg also confirmed that he is willing to meet with the PDSA and discuss grievances.
“I am more than willing to welcome them back into the ward subject to clear communication.”
