Would you know what to do if you were to come across a stray dog?
ALSO READ: Adopt a pet at Kempton Park SPCA
The manager at the Kempton Park SPCA Kira Sparrow shared a few tips on what to do when you encounter a stray dog.
“Stop and see if the dog will come to you; if so, check if it has a collar on with a name tag and contact number,” said Sparrow.
“If it has no visible identification and it will go with you into the car, please take it to the nearest vet or SPCA to be checked for a microchip (then the owner can be contacted immediately).”
Sparrow also advised to avoid chasing the dog.
“Please do not chase the dog because it is dangerous for both you and the animal,” said Sparrow.
“You may also be chasing it further away from where it actually lives. Chances are that if you are unable to catch the dog, we will not be able to either. We ask kindly that the community assist by temporarily confining the animal where possible, then contacting the SPCA. We will send out a driver to collect the animal as soon as one is available.
“Should you find a dog in an open field/veld/park, please advise the SPCA so we can set up a feeding ground and a trap in order to catch the dog.
“Kempton Park SPCA is the official pound, so all stray animals should be brought to us. Remember, not everyone is on social media and when a pet goes missing the first places to look are the local vets and SPCA.”
Keeping a stray dog is not the right thing to do. As tempting as it may be to keep, there is certainly an owner desperately trying to locate their missing pet.
The SPCA has the tools and knowledge to ensure the pet is reunited with the rightful owner and should no one come forward within the pound period, the dog may be placed up for adoption.
What to do when your pet goes missing
“Contact your local vets and the SPCA and notify them with a photo and description of the pet. Include as many details as possible,” said the manager at the local society.
“Details that could help when reporting your missing pet include the name, age, breed, gender, specific markings, collar, tagged and/or microchipped, area and date when the pet went missing. Go to the vets and SPCA to check for yourself, as you will know your pet best.
“Other important factors of missing animals: place a collar and tag on your pet for immediate identification, microchipping is a great form of identification because collars can come off. We offer microchipping at R350 per pet at the SPCA.
“Ensure your pets are sterilised. Often a male will escape the property in search of a female on heat.”
For more information, contact Kempton Park SPCA on 011 028 3203, 079 509 7859 (emergency line) or at info@kemptonspca.co.za
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