Salomé bids SPCA farewell

GEORGE NEWS - If you haven't heard of Salomé Bruyns, you're either new to George or not involved in animal welfare at all.

For more than two decades, Bruyns has been a key figure in animal welfare across the Garden Route, best known for her role as a senior inspector at the George branch of the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA).

After 22 years in her blue-and-white uniform, she has decided to step away from the organisation.

However, this doesn't mean she's stepping away from the animals that need her. In an interview with George Herald, Bruyns made it clear that her dedication remains unchanged.

"It's time for me to do my own thing, and with the support of my family, friends, and the people of George, I believe it will be a success. It won't happen overnight or start with a big bang, but by taking baby steps, I can still make a big difference where I'm needed," she says.

Bruyns resigned from the GRSPCA with immediate effect on Friday 14 March.

"This was not an easy decision. My heart and my entire being are dedicated to animals and animal welfare, and this is far from the end of my journey. I gave 22 years to the animals and want to give the next 22 years to them as well," she says.

In addition, she wants to help other welfare organisations advertise their animals and do work in informal settlements. "I still want to work in the townships - nothing will keep me away from the township dogs."

Bruyns will also be applying her skills and sharing her knowledge to assist and educate other animal welfare organisations by writing a manual for animal welfare.

However, for now, her focus will be on education, outreach, and giving pet owners advice. "I don't have property for kennels yet, so I'll start with what I can do from home. I'll never give up on the animals; they are my passion, so if anyone needs help, I'm still here," she explains.

She also has a big heart for children and wants to get more involved with child welfare as well. "I can't stand and watch when a young child in torn clothes has to pretend a brick is her doll because she doesn't have toys."

She will be taking a short break to spend time with her family and plan the way forward.

Her new endeavour doesn't have a name yet, but Bruyns says to keep our eyes on her Facebook page for what's to come.

All we can say is, "Watch this space!"

A goodbye from George SPCA

Salomé Bruyns started working at the Garden Route SPCA (GRSCPA) in 2003 as a cadet inspector and, quickly grasping the concepts of animal welfare, including the management of kennels, she attended the SPCA's inspectors course at the National Council of SPCAs in 2006.

"Salomé's agreeable nature made her an asset for working with both people and animals, especially assisting people in indigent communities," says GRSPCA regional manager Cheri Cooke. "Her experience in the field eventually led her to become a senior inspector in 2008."

In 2019 Salome resigned from the SPCA to take up a position at Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin). She later returned to the SPCA and has been managing the inspectorate department ever since.

"Salomé is renowned for her commitment to assisting people and their animals, as well as for reuniting lost pets with their owners. We wish her all the very best on her new journey and we will always support her with her future welfare missions," says Cooke.

In the meantime, George SPCA has welcomed four committed, experienced NSPCA-qualified staff to the team in the past five months.

Cooke says the dynamic team has elevated the approach towards upholding the Animals Protection Act.

"This sustainable strategy ensures that education and prosecution, where necessary, set examples for our community when it comes to animal welfare. We look forward to continuing our efforts, hand in hand with the other animal welfare organisations in our region – there is so much work to be done to uplift the lives of the animals we all serve."

Salomé with her own blind rescue dog Stevie and another one she most probably saved.