#Covid-19 Lockdown: Benoni animal welfare organisations report finances biggest reason for surrendered pets since start of lockdown

Benoni animal welfare organisations report that animals which have been surrendered in the lockdown period were handed over due to their owners not being able to afford to keep them.

None of the organisations the City Times spoke to reported animals being handed over due to anything coronavirus related.

All the organisations stated surrendering animals if you cannot afford them it is a wiser option than dumping them.

The Animal Guardians (TAG) director Annalise Jungmann said they have received three cats and a dog since lockdown started on March 26 – all were surrendered as the owners were unable to afford to feed them.

She said they have limited space to take in more animals; however, to curb the number of animals being surrendered TAG will be donating food parcels to pet owners in need.

Residents can contact Jungmann on 076 330 5736 to receive a food parcel for their pets.

“We will donate food to pet owners for as long as we can; however, we are appealing to residents to donate to us – our biggest need at the moment is blankets for our animals.”

Shelly Owens, director of the Benoni SPCA, said the organisation will never turn an animal way.

“We encourage people to bring the animals instead of dumping them, where they may suffer or get injured.”

She also confirmed what Jungmann had said the reason for surrenders have been due to a lack of food for the animals.

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Co-director of Purple Red Paws Zalita Laas said they have not been busy since the lockdown.

She has, however, dealt with a few calls from concerned pet owners about the possibility of Covid-19 infection from animals, and assured these members of the public there was nothing to be concerned about.

Their kennels are currently full and they will welcome donations of dry food.

Fiona Stewart, from Pet Rescue, said their kennels are full and they are in dire need of food donations to feed the animals in their care.

To make a donation or to help in any other way contact these organisations on:

TAG – 076 330 5736

Purple Red Paws – 076 412 2962

Pet Rescue – 061 423 3019

Benoni SPCA – 011 894 2814

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