SPCA debunks certain animal myths
"Sadly, there are quite a number of myths about animals that are still believed today and that can have a very negative impact on the animals concerned.” - SPCA manager Maggie Mudd
The Boksburg SPCA is tackling some of the most common animal myths this week.
Maggie Mudd has highlighted some of these myths.
Owls – Owls can have an undeserved bad reputation within some cultures and unfortunately this can lead to them being killed.
An owl cannot bring death to a household nor are they evil or have anything to do with witchcraft.
What they can do is control the number of rodents and snakes in an area which is very beneficial as these creatures can pose a health risk to people.
Black cats – These animals can be believed to be connected to witches and witchcraft yet the simple truth is that black cats are exactly like any other coloured cats and have no special powers to bring either good or bad luck.
Worm under a dog’s tongue – Unfortunately this particular myth is still believed and causes untold pain and suffering in dogs.
It is thought that dogs have a worm under their tongues and the removal of is called “worming” which is supposed to prevent the dog from biting, should the animal ever go crazy.
The cutting out of the lingual frenulum, which, unfortunately, contracts and curls up like a worm strengthening the belief that it is indeed a worm.
With this ligament, the dog has no control over the tongue and this can result in the animal dying due to severe swelling of the mouth and the inability of the dog to drink or eat.
Bitches must have one litter to make her a better pet – Many pet owners hold the mistaken belief that breeding a bitch at least once before she is sterilised will make her a better pet.
This is a fallacy and is not true.
There is absolutely no medical, physical or emotional reason that a bitch needs to reproduce, except to continue the species and, as dogs are in no danger of becoming extinct, this reason is null and void.
Neutering dog and cats makes them fat and lazy – This is also a fallacy and it is not the neutering that can make cats and dogs overweight but simply that they are eating too much and not getting enough exercise.
Neutering cats and dogs helps to stop them wandering, reduces their impulses to fight and can protect them from medical problems such as testicular cancer.
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Boksburg SPCA will offer ‘help’ with pet sterilisation, vaccination
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