Spike in SPCA confiscations
The Benoni SPCA has confiscated 72 animals from the start of this year until September 19, which is already 60 more than it confiscated for the entire 2015.
Only 12 animals were confiscated for abuse or neglect during last year.
The City Times last week reported on two dogs that were confiscated from a Crystal Park property on September 16, where they were living in “absolutely shocking conditions”.
Benoni SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore said inspector Zama Mabena went to the property on September 14, following a tip-off from a resident in the area.
A warning was left for the owner of the dogs, who did not heed the SPCA’s instructions by the end of the following day, according to Finnemore.
The manager said the SPCA obtained a warrant and confiscated the female Rottweiler-cross and Rhodesian ridgeback-cross.
“They were starving,” said Finnemore.
“The second they saw food they were ravenous.”
She said the dogs also had no shelter.
A case of cruelty to animals will be opened.
READ: Dog killed with spade for attacking chickens
In another confiscation, in Northmead, on September 9, the SPCA took three adult dogs and seven puppies.
According to Finnemore, the owner of the property had received a written warning from the SPCA previously.
“After giving them the written warning, Mabena visited the property on September 8,” Finnemore said.
“The owner was abusive and conditions had not improved, after which Zama got a warrant the following morning and we confiscated the dogs later that day, accompanied by the Benoni SAPS.”
Finnemore, Mabena, Ephraim Madam (kennel hand) and James Madam (kennel supervisor) visited the property and took the dogs away.
“The conditions they were living in were horrendous,” Finnemore added.
“The dogs were underweight and they had inadequate shelter, in dirty, parasitic conditions.
“The owner told us she was going through a rough time and could not afford to care for the dogs properly.”
Finnemore said the animals are recovering at the Benoni SPCA.
She said the rise in the number of confiscations does not necessarily mean there is more cruelty taking place. She added that the staff at the SPCA has been working proactively and re-actively, which might account for the rise in the number of confiscations.
The manager said cruelty is often the result ignorance or blatant cruelty.
She said pet owners do not always know that they should not pour Jeyes Fluid on their pet, which they think is acceptable to ward off fleas.
“If they fail to comply to a warning after being educated, then there is no second chance,” said Finnemore.
She said blatant cruelty sometimes takes the form of drunk people who abuse their pets, allow their animals to have litter after litter or are not able to feed them adequately, which is sometimes due to financial reasons.
The latter case is “very, very common,” said Finnemore.
“If you truly love an animal, you have to look after the interests of the animal and make the best decision.
“If you can’t afford the animal, sign it over to somebody who can care for it.”
The manager said cruelty to animals is always a concern.
“These are ones we know of, and that is why the public need to report cruelty.
“It is cruel to turn a blind eye.”
Finnemore said people must report cases of abuse or neglect, which they can do anonymously.
To contact the Benoni SPCA, dial 011 894 2814/5.
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