Keep your pets safe during flash floods

Weather forecasters are warning Gauteng residents of a strong possibility of further flash flooding. We need to be extra vigilant for our own safety and that of our animals.

Your companion animal will be just as defenceless and vulnerable when faced with rapidly rising water and could be swept away if kept on a running chain or tied up outside of the home.

The following advice could be a way of preventing a dangerous situation for your pet :

•  It must be able to move to higher ground away from the rising water, so pet owners should note where water accumulates on their property during storms and avoid these areas.
•  Ensure that the pet has a shelter or kennel that is raised off the ground (on a pallet, slab of concrete or bricks).
•  Do not chain or tie the animal next to the fence or wall if there is a chance it could collapse on the animal.
•  Pets should have collars and tags as well as microchips.
•  Any draining pipes or holes in fences should be meshed across to allow water to escape, but will stop an animal from being swept away.

If you happen to see a stray animal that is scared and will not approach you, contact AACL or your local shelter for assistance.

As the animal may be far removed from home, it may be very frightened and require special training and equipment to capture.

The AACL inspectorate are ready and willing to assist and can be contacted on 011 435-0672.

A brochure on stray animals is available on its website, www.aacl.co.za/education, for further information and as a reference regarding the law and what to do in the event of finding a stray animal.