Horror for animals on New Year’s
The Springs SPCA raised concern over the careless disregard for animals over the new year period.
New Year’s Eve fireworks were particularly intense this year, especially for the animals, according to the Springs SPCA.
Celeste Kleyn, manager of the Springs SPCA, says she cannot understand why the public doesn’t realise the damage they cause.
“They are doing it at the expense of all the animals, as well as elderly and sensitive humans in the vicinity,” she says.
Also read: Fireworks: crucial tips to keep pets safe
Numerous animals were injured all over Gauteng on New Year’s and some even fatally wounded.
Kleyn says the fireworks even extended to the agricultural holdings in Springs where people were shooting off crackers.
“There are farm animals there, why would you want to shoot these things on plots?”
Kleyn asks that if your animal was injured during the firework displays, and you know for a fact who was shooting fireworks and where, you approach the SPCA with the information and they will assist you in any way they can.
Also read: Springs SPCA saves the lives of animals
“It is blatant cruelty to animals and where it applies, we will assist you to open a case at the police station,” she says.
Liezel Kruger from the SPCA says the fireworks started at around 7pm on New Year’s Eve and continued until about 2am.
Kruger says the SPCA received about 10 dogs between December 31 and January 2, resulting from fireworks.
Poisonings
Kleyn also reminds residents it is crucial for them to approach the SPCA when their dog has been poisoned.
“There may be nothing we can do, but residents have to fill in forms when a dog has been poisoned, which are then sent to the people at our head office who are tirelessly working to find a solution to dog poisonings.
“They need the statistics to try to find a solution,” she says.
It is of utmost importance for residents to phone the police to come out and open a case with them, then approach the SPCA to fill in a form.
“When you are leaving on holiday, please leave your contact details with your neighbours in the event something happens with your animals,” Kleyn adds.
