🌟 A Message as We Enter 2026 🌟

As we move into 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year behind us and speak honestly about the challenges we are now facing.

2025 was a demanding year for the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter. It tested our resilience, our resources, and our people. Yet, despite the hardships, we entered the new year hopeful that the worst was behind us.

Unfortunately, early 2026 brought with it a serious new challenge — a canine distemper outbreak at our shelter.

This outbreak has placed us under strict quarantine and forced immediate changes to how we operate. Daily routines have shifted, biosecurity measures have intensified, and the emotional toll on our staff and volunteers has been immense. While the calendar turned to a new year, there was no pause for animal welfare. The festive season once again proved to be one of the most difficult periods for shelters, and this year we faced it under outbreak conditions.

For animal welfare, there is no “reset button.”

Fireworks, noise, fear, abandonment, and delayed veterinary care continue to impact animals long after the celebrations end. January has carried the consequences of December, and now those consequences are compounded by a highly contagious and devastating disease.

Despite this, our team continues to show up - every single day.

Kennel staff work under strict biosecurity protocols. Inspectors respond where possible under quarantine restrictions. Volunteers adapt to limited access and new safety rules. Difficult decisions are being made daily - decisions no animal lover ever wants to face. Distemper is cruel, fast-moving, and unforgiving, and it has highlighted just how fragile rescue work can be.

Yet even in the face of this outbreak, our community has not turned away.

Supporters have donated disinfectants, food, funds, and essential supplies. Posts have been shared, quarantine measures respected, and messages of encouragement have helped carry our team through exhausting days. Partner organisations continue to stand with us, reminding us that animal welfare is strongest when we work together.

As we move further into 2026, we do so with realism, caution, and determination. The outbreak is not over, but our commitment remains unchanged. We continue because the animals still need us - and because if we are not here, there is nowhere else for them to go.

To every donor, volunteer, adopter, foster family, committee member, partner organisation, and supporter :

Thank you for standing with us - especially now, when the work is hardest.

As 2026 unfolds, we ask our community to continue choosing compassion :

• Keep pets safe from fireworks and loud noises

• Do not abandon animals after the festive season

• Seek veterinary care early

• Support your local shelters - the work does not stop when the year changes

May 2026 be a year of strength, healing, responsibility, and collective care for the animals who depend on us.

With gratitude and resolve,

Diane Jacobs

Operations Manager