THE Kloof and Highway SPCA have urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats after they have witnessed a drastic increase in rabies cases.
According to the SPCA’s Brigitte Ferguson, they had 27 dogs and one cat testing positive for rabies in the last three months.
“Sadly, these are only the animals that are seen and picked up by our inspectorate and tested, and we fear that the numbers are even higher. Some animals were strays with no history, and some animals were owned, living in homes with their families, while some were even picked up by local ‘rescues’ who refused to believe that the threat of rabies is real.
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“In this case, some of these animals may come into contact with many people and animals before being brought in to the Kloof and Highway SPCA,” she said.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA urged the public to exercise extreme caution when approaching stray animals.
“If you find a stray animal you are not familiar with, only approach if it is safe to do so and if absolutely necessary. In the event of being bitten or scratched, immediately wash the area very well and flush under running water and seek medical treatment with a doctor.
“If you are bitten or scratched by an animal with no proof of vaccination, you will be required to go for a course of rabies vaccinations.”
She added that rabies is fatal and the threat of it should not be taken lightly.
“With the increase in rabies, we are advising the public not to keep stray animals but to do the right thing and bring them in to your closest SPCA,” said Ferguson.
For any animal-related emergencies during office hours, please contact us on 031 764 1212, and for after-hours emergencies, contact our emergency line on 073 335 9322.
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