ONLY four of the 10 dogs that were taken to the Kloof and Highway SPCA for safekeeping have been reunited with their elated owners so far.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA staff worked non-stop over the start of the fireworks period (Monday, 5 November to Wednesday, 7 November) to ensure the safety of all animals including the animals in their care.
Manager of the SPCA, Barbara Patrick said over the three nights; 10 dogs, one Hadeda and sadly one dog, that was killed in a motor vehicle accident, were brought into the Kloof and Highway SPCA for safekeeping.
“On Wednesday, at approximately 10pm, trainee inspector Israel Silevu, who was on duty, received a call from a frantic owner requesting assistance with freeing her one-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Cross, named Jessy from her vehicle engine.
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“Unbeknownst to her, her petrified dog, traumatised by the loud and continuous fireworks being set off in the area, crawled up into her vehicle’s engine where it was parked at her home in Malvern. Jessy was discovered after her owner travelled to Reservoir Hills and heard noises emanating from her vehicle’s engine upon arrival,” said Patrick.
The rescue operation took Inspector Silevu almost two hours as he had to ensure that Jessy was freed with as little distress and as humanely possible. Jessy was elated to be reunited with her grateful owner.
“Although Jessy had no visible injuries with oil covering all four legs, Inspector Silevu requested that the owner take her to a veterinarian for a full examination,’ added Patrick.
Fireworks have a devastating effect on animals
Barbara said the loud bangs and whistles of fireworks have a devastating effect on animals causing horrific injuries and claiming numerous lives of petrified and traumatised pets every year.
“This is the main reason the SPCA advises pet owners to rather stay home with their animals and keep them inside on nights when fireworks may be fired. Never allow a family member or friend to set off any fireworks close to where pets are or any other animals are being kept. We are appealing to any person that is missing a pet to go to their nearest SPCA and follow the necessary steps to ensure you are quickly reunited. The Kloof and Highway SPCA would like to thank all members of the public, neighbourhood patrols and anyone who may have stopped to assist any animal in distress.”
For any possible animals in distress, animal welfare concerns and complaints, contact the Kloof and Highway SPCA Inspectorate during office hours on 031 764 1212, e-mail: controller@kloofspca.co.za or for after-hours emergencies on 073 335 9322.
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