Klerksdorp Celebrates 15 Years of Compassion: The Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter Marks a Milestone
- Karen Scheepers
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
This week marks a remarkable milestone for the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter, 15 years of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. Since its founding in 2009, the shelter has grown into one of the most respected and vital welfare organisations in the KOSH area, providing sanctuary to thousands of unwanted, neglected, and abandoned animals.
For a decade and a half, the shelter has served as a beacon of hope. Every animal that has passed through its gates carries a story, of hardship, recovery, and the kindness that exists in the community. From the early days of makeshift kennels and small-scale rescues to a fully operational shelter serving multiple towns, the journey has been one of unwavering dedication.
Over the years, the organisation has endured countless challenges, from overcrowding and limited funding to floods, break-ins, and community crises. Yet through every obstacle, it has remained steadfast in its mission: to save lives, educate the public, and promote responsible pet ownership.
Today, the shelter’s longevity is not just a reflection of hard work, but of community unity. Volunteers, donors, foster parents, and adopters have all played a role in keeping its gates open and tails wagging.
A Growing Crisis: Full Capacity Reached 🚫😿
Even as the shelter celebrates its 15th anniversary, it faces one of its greatest challenges yet: overcrowding.
Due to an overwhelming number of cats being dumped and surrendered, the cattery has reached full capacity, forcing the shelter to make the heartbreaking decision to pause all new intakes until space becomes available.
This crisis highlights the ongoing issue of pet overpopulation caused by unsterilised animals. The situation has become increasingly dire, with staff and volunteers struggling to find homes fast enough to accommodate the steady influx of unwanted litters.
The shelter urges the public to act responsibly:
🐱 Sterilise your cats to prevent overpopulation.
🏡 Adopt instead of buying from breeders or pet shops.
🚫 Do not abandon animals, shelters are overwhelmed and can only help those truly in distress.
While it remains committed to assisting animals in genuine need, the shelter emphasises that it cannot serve as a dumping ground for irresponsibility. The message is simple: compassion begins with accountability.
A Community of Support 💚
Even in challenging times, the shelter continues to be uplifted by acts of kindness from local businesses and residents.
🐾 Support from Dirk Mathee & Bark Boutique
The shelter expressed sincere gratitude to Dirk Mathee and Bark Boutique for their generous food donation this week. The contribution included a wide variety of nutritious supplies, ensuring that the animals in care will be well-fed and comfortable.
💚 Continued Kindness from Go Big Media
Long-time supporter Go Big Media once again extended a helping hand through consistent donations. Their ongoing commitment to the shelter has provided much-needed resources over the years, reflecting a powerful example of sustained community partnership.
These contributions, large and small, make a tangible difference in keeping the shelter operational and animals comfortable during difficult periods.
15 Years of Resilience and Gratitude
As the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter celebrates 15 years of service, its journey stands as a testament to perseverance, empathy, and the strength of collective goodwill.
The shelter’s team continues to lead community education initiatives, promote adoption awareness, and advocate for sterilisation as the most effective long-term solution to animal suffering. The past 15 years have been filled with countless rescues, emotional reunions, and moments of pure joy, all made possible by those who believe in giving animals a voice.
Supporters are invited to join the celebration by:
💌 Sharing their adoption stories or photos online.
🏡 Adopting or fostering a shelter pet.
💰 Donating or volunteering to sustain the shelter’s daily operations.
Together for the Next 15 Years
The Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter’s milestone is more than a birthday, it’s a celebration of community resilience. For fifteen years, compassion has been the cornerstone of its work, and with continued public support, that mission will carry into the future.
As the shelter moves forward, it remains dedicated to providing love, safety, and second chances to every paw that crosses its path. The next chapter begins today, one built on gratitude, teamwork, and the shared belief that every life matters.
🐾🎂💚🐕🐈
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