Background of The Society for Animals in Distress...
The Society for Animals in Distress (SAID) was formed in 1958 by the late Didi Rutherford, who had an unrivalled passion for the well-being of animals.
SAID provides professional veterinary care that’s built on a foundation of focused animal care education within marginalised and disadvantaged local communities. Our professional veterinary care is supported with experienced surgical and medical veterinarians and para-veterinarians who achieve excellence in their respective disciplines.
We’re situated in Vorna Valley, Midrand, on a 4.2ha farm. Our facility comprises of a state-of-the-art small animal hospital with over 200 kennels inside and outside, an equine care centre, paddocking for herd animals and equine, administration offices and storage facilities.
We’re governed by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and, as an animal welfare organisation, fall under the Department of Agriculture. We’re a non-profit organisation registered with DSD with full public benefit registration, enabling us to provide tax-deductible receipts for all donations received.
Our services are 100% funded by donors and several sustainable income streams that SAID has developed and perfected over the years. SAID is also proudly supported by committed volunteers who increase our capacity to successfully deliver our mandate.
Small Animal Hospital
Our small animal hospital has over 200 kennels, a fully operational theatre with two theatre tables, an ICU, a treatment room, general wards, a pharmacy, and an X-ray facility. Our professional veterinary care is supported by qualified and experienced surgical and medical veterinarians and animal health technicians (AHT).
Our state-of-the-art hospital provides treatment to animals delivered by our mobile units, fellow animal welfare NGOs and general welfare clients and referrals.
At SAID, we’re passionate about collaboration. We partner with fellow animal welfare NGOs in the region by providing supreme veterinary care and treatment at heavily subsidised rates. NGOs are, therefore, also able to access our services, which include sterilisations and vaccinations for the animals in their care for a fraction of the price they’d otherwise pay at a private veterinary clinic.
Mobile Units
SAID has three mobile units that service the communities of Olievenhoutbosch, Tembisa, Ivory Park and Diepsloot on a regular basis. Each field team is comprised of an AHT and dog handler, and focuses on providing basic veterinary care and education to the communities.
Coal Yard Project
The Coal Yard Project was launched in Tembisa in 2004. These coal yard operations derive their income from the delivery of coal with the use of horse-drawn carts. SAID currently cares for 42 working horses and donkeys in the coal yards, but these numbers tend to fluctuate as the need for coal grows in the winter months.
The Coal Yard Project’s goal is to develop financially strong businesses that benefit the community through the knowledgeable care and use of their working horses and donkeys.
Core needs:
- Funding for operational costs
- Horse feed
- Dog and puppy food
- Treated poles for paddocks
If you’re ever in the area, please come and visit our amazing facilities for a tour and a behind-the-scenes look at our work.
Contact details:
Ancha Smuts
Fundraising Manager
0836408824 / ancha@animalsindistress.org.za
www.animalsindistress.org.za
Banking Details:
Animals in Distress
FNB Carlswald
Acc. no.: 51470054747
Branch Code: 250655
