Pet care corner: How to help an injured animal
The Boksburg SPCA does not expect people to endanger their own lives to save an injured animal that is on a busy street, but there are still things that can be done to assist the animal until help arrives.
The Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd, shares the following advice:
Slow down
While this may not always be possible, by slowing down and turning on the car’s hazard lights you can indicate to other road users that there is a problem ahead. This can help save the animal from injuring itself further.
Phone the SPCA
If possible, pull over to the side of the road and immediately phone the SPCA or animal welfare organisation nearest to where the animal has been found. If you do not have the number available, contact the SAPS and advise them. Give as exact a location for the animal as possible and use helpful landmarks that will make it easier for the SPCA or other rescuers to get to the animal in the quickest time possible.
Remove
If possible and if it is safe to do so, try and remove the animal from the road and out of danger of getting hurt further by vehicles. Using a coat/jacket or something to cover the animal can help prevent it from perhaps biting out of fear or pain.
Remain
If at all possible, try and stay with the injured animal until help arrives. Both cats and dogs have been known to run for some distances with a visibly limb due to the adrenaline that is pumping through them. Remaining with the injured animal (especially if it is on the move) can help the SPCA tremendously in reaching it quickly, as you will be able to give exact directions. Just be careful not to frighten the injured animal into any oncoming traffic, as injured animals can spook very easily.
