Hike in missing pets
The Benoni SPCA has for the past three months experienced a hike in reports of missing cats and dogs in Benoni.
Senior inspector at the Benoni SPCA, Annalise Jungmann, said there have beem ‘‘quite a tremendous amount’’ of missing dogs reported to the animal welfare organisation.
The above-average amount of cases have not been confined to specific suburbs in Benoni.
Receptionist at the Benoni SPCA Ellie de Kock, said approximately 10 dogs are reported missing each month, with hordes of cats also reported missing.
She believes the dogs are being stolen for dog fighting, but she has no evidence to substantiate that.
Northmead resident Claire Payne believes her American pit-bulls were stolen from her home.
Her two ten and 12-week-old dogs went missing from her home on July 25 and August 28.
She said there was no way the dogs could have escaped from her property.
Although the SPCA is uncertain whether these animals are stolen for dog fights, the founder of Animal Lover’s Project Swing (Alps), Cassandra Barbosa, is of the opinion the dogs are stolen for dog fights.
She does not have evidence of this, but said the breed of dogs reported missing may indicate they are being stolen for dog fights.
Her dog rescue organisation operates in Etwatwa East, but she has not seen or heard of dog fighting taking place in Etwatwa or surrounding areas.
She said she is keeping her ear on the ground for cases of dog fights.
Both the SPCA and Barbosa urged people to have their dogs micro-chipped in order for the animals to be positively identified and their owners traced.
The micro-chips are placed in the animals – which can be done through the SPCA or any vet.
Once an animal has been found, the chip will identify the animal’s owner based on the information stored on the chip.
People can also email descriptions and photos of their missing dogs to Barbosa on cassbar@live.co.za who will keep a lookout for the dog.
Benoni SAPS media liaison officer Lieut Nomsa Sekele said the police station has not received any reports of missing dogs from July to date.
She urged people who believe their animals have been stolen to report it to police.
Have your pets recently been stolen? Share your stories.
