The Benoni SPCA assists pet parents in Actonville

The Benoni SPCA assisted pet owners in Ward 29, Actonville, on September 18 as part of their outreach programme which aims to assist and educate animal lovers in informal settlements.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the outreach is no longer hosted in an open field where residents can bring their pets.

The inspectors conduct home visits in specific areas where people keep animals, which also enables them to see the conditions in which the animals live.

Inspector Oageng Mosito emphasised the aim of these programmes are to change society in the way that they care for their animals.

“We want to focus on the youth and teach them how they can better the lives of their pets, and once we teach them they can pass the knowledge on to friends and once they are grown they can teach their children.”

During the outreach, the organisation offers the following at no cost: deworming, dipping, food and drinking bowls, blankets, educational pamphlets and in some cases they teach pet owners how to make a running chain that will give the animal more freedom, as well as free sterilisation whenever the organisation can afford to pay for it.

Mosito explained the importance of sterilisation in informal settlements.

“When a dog gives birth to multiple puppies, some would resort to stoning them as they cannot afford to look after them.

“This is why sterilisation is important, to avoid such inhumane acts,” he said.

On their visit, Mosito and trainee inspectors Sifiso Mthembu and Thomas Mohlake helped a resident who kept two pit bulls in their yard.

The one dog was healthy and well looked after; however, he was chained up in a small space.

The team assisted him by teaching him, how to build a running chain with materials he kept in the yard.

Not all visits are as easy. On inspection of another home, a puppy only a few weeks old was found limping and it was later discovered that the puppy’s foot is broken. It is alleged that someone stepped on the foot.

Mosito convinced the owners to surrender the pup and he was taken to the vet for medical attention.

The SPCA can only continue going out through the donations from residents who are welcome to deliver donation to 3 Klein Stret, Lakefield, or SMS “SPCA” to 49040 to donate R15 and help them continue to help the voiceless.

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