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THE expected "palace revolution" and take-over bid by new members of the HH Animal Welfare Society failed when the AWS committee, four days prior to the AGM, expelled one of its members and several other members were suspended, pending further investigation - some had been members for a few days only. All were signatories to the controversial "urgent notice" which was sent out prior to the AGM.

According to the committee the expulsion and the suspensions were in terms of Clause No. 7 of the AWS constitution, which states that members may be expelled or suspended if the committee deems that they have acted in a manner prejudicial to the objectives, interests and reputation of the society.

None of the suspended members were allowed to attend or take part in proceedings or stand as candidates for election to the committee. A special meeting will be held, to which they will be invited, where the matter will be investigated.. In lieu of the fact no other valid nominations had been received, the existing committee was re-elected.

There was a good turnout at the AGM. Several members stressed the need for communication to be improved, asking that regular newsletters be sent out. Two members volunteered to do this. The need to reopen the kennels on Sundays was also raised and a suggestion was made that volunteers be asked to man it for an hour or two.

Questions were also asked regarding the kennel policies; the perception that the AWS was no longer willing to assist or render animal welfare services to the public as kennel staff were referring owners of sick or injured animals who did not have cash, to private vets; problems between the staff and volunteers; and the many animals accommodated at the kennels - more than 150 dogs and 50 cats.

The Committee stated it employed a manager to manage the kennels. "The danger is that any staff may misinterpret AWS policies. We thank anyone bringing such misinterpretations to the committee's attention. The society is bound by law to follow certain procedures to rectify such situations. Be assured that the committee is dealing with these problems as a matter of utmost urgency."

The committee was aware of problems between the kennel management and said they considered the volunteers to be the life blood of the society and critical to the well-being of the animals. "A liaison officer was recently appointed to facilitate the work of the volunteers at the kennels."

They also acknowledged the need for longer open hours, saying that financial restraints have in the past precluded this, but that arrangements were being made for the kennels to remain open for longer hours over weekends.

The committee also conceded that the enormous numbers of stray animals brought to the AWS were overwhelming.

This, they said, was due to an enormous influx of population into the area in recent years and economic restraints which led to fewer adoptions. "This matter has become extremely problematic Several possible options are being investigated - for example, fostering, if enough people are prepared to do it."

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