SPCA shocked by high number of pets handed in

PET owners are urged to claim their lost pets from the Durban and Coast SPCA.

Lindsey Concer, Income Development and Communications Manager, said new year’s hadn’t been ‘ridiculously hectic’ this year. She said three injured dogs had been brought into the SPCA following new year’s celebrations and two dead dogs had been brought in. They had been knocked down by cars.

“Two dogs were injured after being hit by cars and the third dog had bite wounds. We assume the dogs had run away from their properties as a result of the fireworks and gotten into fights with other dogs, however this could happen at any time of the year. On 1 and 2 January, five stray dogs and one stray cat were brought in, but we expect the numbers to go up over the next two weeks as people keep animals at their homes to try find their owners themselves before bringing them in,” she said.

However, Concer expressed shock at the number of animals brought in over the month of December.

Between 1 and 31 December, 325 stray dogs and 280 unwanted dogs were handed in by their owners, along with 600 stray cats and 111 cats no longer wanted by their owners.

“For us to deal with this in December is impossible. It is a ridiculous number of animals to be handed in and is incredibly sad,” she said.

Turning to New Year celebrations, Concer said it seemed fireworks had been worse this year in general, however for the SPCA, it was on par with last year. She said over the last three years, SPCA had noticed an improvement which she assumed was as a result of people being more responsible with their pets. “We have also seen there has been no abuse of pets related to fireworks which is a really good sign,” she said.

Concer urged pet owners to visit the SPCA to identify and claim their pets or to contact the SPCA or email a photo of their lost pet.

“Pet owners need to identify their pet themselves and also to speak to all SPCAs in the area as we don’t share lost pet reports between the different branches. We urge pet owners to microchip their pets, it is a cheap, quick and easy process and is the only way to guarantee that you will be reunited with your pet if it goes missing. Microchipping is done at Durban and Coast SPCA,” she said.

She said it was also important for pet owners who have microchipped their animals to ensure that they update any information should it change such as address and contact details.

Contact Durban and Coast SPCA on 031 579 6500 or email: info@spcadbn.org.za.

Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturday from 8am to 12.30pm. They are closed Sundays and public holidays.