Brakpan SPCA puts myths to rest
In an effort to address some of the misconceptions held by members of the public about the Brakpan SPCA, the organisation has set the record straight regarding its functions and role in the community.
According to Sanette Bosman, the chairperson of the local society, the priority of the SPCA is exactly what the name states – the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
This is their first and main objective.
• Lost and found animals
“A lot of community members are reluctant to bring an animal to us or let us collect it,” said Bosman.
“We often see these animals being kept by their rescuer or rehomed without proper care to prevent further trauma, abuse or neglect.
“Even though the rescuer’s intentions are good, it is against the law to keep or rehome any animal that does not belong to you.
“If you don’t want to surrender the animal, at the very least bring it to the SPCA or a vet to have it scanned for a chip.
“Also email your details, as well as a picture of the animal and area where it was found, to the manager at the SPCA.
“Not everyone is on social media or part of the groups where these found pets are shared. Most owners would contact the SPCA first and if the SPCA is unaware of the animal being found, they can’t reunite the owners with their pet.”
• Strays and surrenders
Bosman explained that every stray animal is kept at the Brakpan SPCA for seven days (municipal by-laws only require the animal to be kept for four days) to give the owners a chance to claim it.
After this period, it becomes the property of the SPCA and they try to find homes for these animals.
Every animal gets a fair chance to find a loving home.
Also read: 8 Animals you won’t believe actually exist
If you have to surrender your animal to the SPCA, leave a note to specify that you are the owner and wish to give the animal to the SPCA. You can remain anonymous.
Include the pet’s name, age and some useful information (good with children, doesn’t get along with cats, etc).
A note will ensure that the animal doesn’t have to wait seven days before being networked to find a home.
• Injured animals and vets
“We do not have our own vet on the premises or on call; we are assisted by private vets and have to pay for their services,” said Bosman.
“The SPCA is often criticised for not offering more support to owners who can’t afford vets; it is not that we don’t want to help, we can’t afford to.
“We are not medically trained to diagnose or treat any injuries ourselves and we could end up hurting the animal more than helping it.
“We simply don’t have enough funds to pay the vet bill on behalf of owners who can’t afford a vet.”
Also read: Don’t dump animals over our fence, SPCA urges
• Sterilisation
Bosman told the Herald that most community members underestimate the importance of sterilising their pets, even if they own a single female or male or two males/females.
“One of the major contributing factors to pets getting out, over and above not securing the property appropriately, is the non-sterilisation of pets,” she said.
“A female dog on heat can cause chaos for their neighbours as a male dog can sense this from a long distance.
“They will do anything and everything to get to the female and in this situation cause themselves severe harm trying to escape.
“A male dog will react more severely to this scent than a neutered male dog.
“Your two males could become competitive and aggressive all of a sudden, fighting with each other and you don’t know why. It could be because they are not neutered and react to a female in the area.”
• Funds
The SPCA is not financially assisted and is responsible for raising its own funds to keep the doors open.
“We appreciate each and every donation of food, blankets and any other form of support but, unfortunately, we need money for the day-to-day running costs such as petrol for our vehicles, paying the water and lights account, vehicle repairs, salaries and vet bills,” said Bosman.
“Animals are our priority and their safety and well-being are our first concern.
“Without the community’s involvement and support, we wouldn’t be able to help the many animals we take care of on a daily basis.
“We need the financial support from the public in order to keep helping the animals. Without our community, we couldn’t stay open.”
Lastly, residents are encouraged to adopt pets from the SPCA, which has beautiful dogs and cats looking for homes.
The SPCA is situated at 96 Denne Road in Witpoort Estates and can be contacted on 011 742 2007.
Manager Ming Church can also be contacted via email at manager@brakpanspca.co.za
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