Written by Leanne Crystal
Photographs supplied by Joan Nel
Shalom Animal Rescue Centre is a pro-life animal shelter in the small rural town of Glaudina, Schweizer-Reneke, in the heart of South Africa’s far-flung North West Province, founded in 2013, and registered as an NPC since 2018.
The province is one of the poorest in the country, which inevitably leads to animal neglect and uncontrolled breeding. The nearest SPCA is 250km away, and there are no other animal rescues or shelters, so the need for the organisation is immense – and ever-growing.
Animals have no voice, and without the hard work, the sacrifice and the dedication of earth angels like Joan Nel, founder and owner of Shalom Animal Rescue Centre and her team in Glaudina, so many animals would have no chance at all.
We see to all animals, domestic or wild, in Glaudina and all surrounding areas. Shalom receives no government funding, and Joan, her family, and team work tirelessly to rescue the abandoned, neglected, injured, and abused animals, often foregoing their own needs, to feed, rehome, rehabilitate and rescue animals in need. Not one person involved receives a salary; this is done voluntarily for the love of the animals.
Making a difference
After Joan saw how many abandoned and neglected animals there were in Schweizer-Reneke and surrounding areas, she knew she had to make a difference. Today, the organisation does widespread outreach work, looking after around 300 township dogs. This involves assisting with feeding, bathing and dipping for fleas and ticks, providing veterinary care, sterilisation and, of course, educating of owners about the importance of proper animal care and sterilisation.
Shalom Animal Rescue Centre also cares for some of the many feral cat colonies and stray dogs in the region, which involves a feeding and sterilisation programme.
Unwanted and rescued animals find their way to Shalom Animal Rescue Centre’s farm, which is currently home to 77 dogs, nine cats, three horses, one donkey, and three chickens. The shelter isn’t only a safe haven for dogs and cats, but they also rescue and rehabilitate other creatures and critters, including birds, hedgehogs, donkeys and more. Here they’re given love and care until they’re ready to find their forever homes or, in the case of those who cannot be rehomed, a safe place to live out their lives.
The farm is rented and the organisation would dearly like to have their own, permanent premises, for which they are fund-raising at present (see below).
Visiting and adopting
If you’re considering adopting one of the many beautiful fur-babies in Shalom’s care, please schedule a date and time to meet them so that we can give you our undivided attention and assist you in meeting your perfect match.
You’re more than welcome to come and visit in the mornings up to midday. After 12h00 it’s all-systems-go tending to the farm and the animals that call it home, so should you need to visit in the afternoon for any type of viewings and volunteer work, appointments are required.
As we’re doing all of this from our farmhouse, we need to keep the safety of all our staff and animals in mind, so when you’re ready to visit, please phone Joan so that we can open our gate to you.
You can help!
There’s always a need for food and funds, particularly now with the economic situation. However, there’s another great necessity: Shalom Animal Rescue Centre has been on its current premises for many years but is in dire need of its own premises. The perfect smallholding with ample space for all the animals and their carers has been found, and funds are being raised to purchase it. With no other help for these animals within the next 250km, the situation is extremely urgent. Visit their campaign on Back-a-Buddy https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/keep-sarc-open and Gogetfunding https://gogetfunding.com/a-permanent-home-for-the-shalom-animal-rescue-centre-furkiddies/
Should you wish to visit the rescue centre, its current address is the corner of Kerk Street and Pieter Street, Glaudina.
Our wish list
- Long, strong droppers
- Wire fencing and wire
- Poles
- Zinc roofing sheets
- Shade cloth
- Dog food
- Cat food
- Dog and cat biscuits
- Bowls
- Kennels
- Blankets
- Toys for dogs and cats
- F10 disinfectant
- Pine Gel cleaning products
- Cleaning cloths
- Brooms
- Buckets
- Poop scoop
- Washing powder
- Dewormer
- Dog shampoo
Deliveries can be made at 34 Cronje Street, Schweizer-Reneke.
For donations:
FNB Cheque Account
Shalom Animal Rescue Centre
Branch Code: 240239
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Account No.: 62775698958
Ref: Your name
Paypal:neljoan801@gmail.com or schaefer.leanneschfr@gmail.com
Every donation goes towards the care of the animals and the running expenses of the shelter.
For more information, please contact Joan on 082 960 0131 or Leanne on 061 490 5879, email schweizerdiere@gmail.com@gmail.com, and follow Shalom Animal Rescue Centre on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shalomanimalrescuecentre
