ALBERTON SPCA once again had help from Bianca Peens from ER24 to come to the rescue of a stray dog.
For over a week residents of Mayberry Park kept reporting a large brown stray dog in the neighbourhood.
“While Alberton SPCA tried to rescue it, the dog proved very elusive. Sadly the SPCA staff came in for a lot of undeserved verbal telephone abuse for their failure to capture the dog. It is not always easy and the staff were getting increasingly frustrated,” Vanja Ingold, a member of Alberton SPCA, told the RECORD.
“Local residents Petro Lottering and Zuerina van der Berg of Animal Protection Network also tried to get the dog. Both ladies spent many hours feeding the dog, gaining his trust and driving round after him in Mayberry Park.
“Finally, with the help of Bianca and her colleagues from ER24, they were able to seize the dog and remove him to a place of safety. While ‘Fugitive’ seemed an appropriate name for a dog who evaded capture for well over a week, it was named after Robin Hood instead,” she said.
“A huge thank you goes to Bianca and her colleagues from ER24, who showed their enduring compassion for all life, as well as to Petro and Zuerina for their perseverance and concern for animal welfare. Alberton SPCA appreciates the assistance of all these ladies who support the SPCA in whatever way they can.
“We are so much better at serving our community when we all help each other. Thank you, ladies, and everyone else who tried to help,” said Vanja.
What to do when you spot a stray
*Stop only if it’s safe
Since many stray animals are found running along busy streets, do not cause a traffic accident by slamming on your brakes to stop and help. Instead, go up to the next legal turnaround, then pull over and get out of your vehicle only when it is safe to do so. If you see an animal running down the median of a freeway where it is too dangerous for you to pull over, call 911 immediately to report the stray as a possible road hazard, and as an attempt to save his or her life.
*Approach with caution
A stray animal may not be as friendly as their sweet faces make them seem. After becoming homeless and having to fight to survive on their own, once-approachable dogs and cats could lash out at helping hands in the form of biting, scratching, or worse. Do not speak in an overly excited or a funny high-pitched voice as this could scare or agitate. If at any time you feel unsafe, back away slowly and try something else.
*Get them to come to you
You don’t know the animal’s temperament. To have as much distance as possible between the two of you, try getting them to come to you instead of you approaching. Use food to lure a dog or cat to your car or to a waiting leash or crate. Call and wait for the SPCA, the police or a professional to arrive if you are unable to drive to a vet.
*Call the proper authorities for assistance
It’s best to call your local SPCA for help. This does not mean the animal is violent in nature. He may just be scared or distrusting of humans due to how he was previously treated. The authorities can get the stray to a nearby shelter for an evaluation. Add Alberton SPCA’s number to your contact list: 011 907 1568.
*Always be prepared
You never know when an animal might need your help. Consider keeping an animal rescue kit in your car at all times. This can include such items as a leash, crate, food and water, treats, a warm blanket and a pet first-aid kit. Carry an extra leash with you when you go on dog walks, but be careful when approaching a stray animal when you have your own doggies with you.
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