SPCA muzzled over roadside dog sales
The Kloof and Highway SPCA urge residents to rather adopt instead of purchasing animals from roadside vendors, breeders and pet stores.
THE Highway Facebook pages were inundated with comments and posts regarding the selling of dogs at the robots outside the Pavilion Shopping Centre recently.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA noted that it has received numerous calls in the past regarding the selling of puppies outside shopping centres. “Contrary to popular belief, the selling of animals is unfortunately not illegal in terms of the Animal Protection Act, 71 of 1962. Selling at certain places may be illegal without a hawker’s license, but this is a contravention of the eThekweni by–laws and is governed by the Metro Police,” said Lisa Morck, the PR and outreach officer at the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
Other comments on the Facebook thread stated the animals had been stolen. “It is difficult to prove whether an animal is stolen or not unless an owner has reported the theft of their animal to the SAPS and can prove ownership.”
Morck noted that SPCA inspectors are unable to confiscate animals without a court order. “In order to obtain a warrant from a magistrate, one has to prove an offence in terms of the Animals Protection Act. The sellers operating around the Pavillion area, scatter as soon as an SPCA vehicle is seen and have even thrown puppies into the bush before running away,” said Morck.
“I urge the public not to buy puppies. This creates a supply and demand scenario whereby the sellers are encouraged to continue to use their animals as ‘money makers’,” said Morck. “Puppies that are purchased without certified vaccination records may be diseased. Taking these puppies to your home puts your animals at risk of contracting one of the killer diseases we see so often in young puppies.”
Highway residents who are wanting to purchase dogs are urged to obtain the address where the puppies are bred and request a meeting at a certain time. “This way, the SPCA can be contacted and it enables us to meet with the seller, educate him or her and check on the welfare of the animals,” said Morck. “Please help the Kloof and Highway SPCA in the fight against live animal trading by not buying animals on the street, online or at pet shops. Take a stand and be a part of the solution – adopt an animal from any SPCA.”
Members of the public are urged to contact Metro Police on 031 311 6755 when witnessing animals being sold on the sides of the road. Report any cruelty, negligence or animal welfare concerns to the Kloof and Highway SPCA inspectorate on 031 764 1212 or on 073 3359 322 after-hours for emergencies, alternatively email controller@kloofspca.co.za.
