We can all make a difference.
Everyone can contribute in some way to the welfare of the animals in South Africa.
This is the message from the National Council of SPCAs as International Animal Week approaches.
It begins on October 4, which is World Animal Day, and extends to October 10.
The aim of the week is to recognise and celebrate the role that animals play in our lives.
The NSPCA wishes to take this a step further and to encourage everyone to use the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and a lasting difference.
Making conscious decisions that will have long-term beneficial effects for animals can easily be undertaken.
In every instance, it is a demonstration of compassion and a gesture of support for the welfare of every living creature with whom we share our country and our planet.
It may be choosing to adopt from an SPCA rather than buying a companion animal from a pet shop or breeder.
It may be inviting the local SPCA to speak at a school or community meeting, especially if issues such as fireworks can be addressed.
An appeal is made to everyone to recognise “the bigger picture” regarding activities, especially those which involve interaction with wild animals.
What may be called or promoted as a rehabilitation centre, sanctuary or welfare organisation with wild animals that can be petted or fed by hand is misleading and unethical.
Looking on the positive side, supporting circuses and forms of entertainment with no wild animal acts is a worthy step.
Insisting on free range produce, noting and reporting cruelty and speaking out can each have a huge, beneficial ripple effect.
Please contact your local SPCA to find out what activities will be taking place in your area.
The Germiston SPCA can be contacted on 011 825-5033.
I’m fed up with all the pieces of rubbish left behind after the rubbish collectors pick up the bin bags. On Aloysia street, outside a flat, one such spot of left over rubbish is slowly piling up. This has caused a Hadeda Ibis bird (who was rummaging through the left over rubbish) to gets its feet entangled in some kind of black rope! I see this bird everyday on my street and I wish I could catch it in order to remove the tangled rope around its feet… But I don’t stand a chance… I can see that the rope is affecting its movements and it can’t walk properly. This is putting the bird at risk as it is restricting its mobility and also because the rope can get entangled in other objects, thus trapping the bird. Why can’t people just take care of their outside turf as they care for their inside turf? Had these people kept their turf clean this Hadeda Ibis would not have gotten entangled in that horrid black rope! Please people, stay in touch with the outside of your street and clean it up… Not only does it keep animals safe, but it sends a message to criminals that the people who live in that house care about their street and are alert… Criminals equate street neglect and litter with lack of alertness on the part of its inhabitants…