Adopt your new best friend at the SPCA
One would expect many stray animals to find their way to the SPCA during the festive season, however this year it was not the fireworks that were to blame for the number of animals looking for new homes.
The Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA had to deal with many difficulties over the festive season. A spike in stray animals would be expected due to the fireworks that usually accompany the festive season, however, this year the vast amount of animals that came into the pound were mostly unwanted.
Mandi Cattanach, the manager at the SPCA, explained this year fewer animals had to be taken in than the previous years, however, it is still a troubling reality. She noted in many cases owners would simply state they are moving or immigrating, therefore they have to give up their fur baby. She added people would then want to come adopt again in January.
Cattanach explained, “I am responsible for the animals in my care. I will not adopt them out to a home where I can say with 100% certainty they will be in a good, secure, and loving home where they will be well cared for.”
She noted they have strict rules when people want to adopt an animal to ensure the best outcome. Aside from a person having to go to the SPCA to meet the animal they would want to adopt, a home check will also be done where they ensure the person is a responsible pet owner. All the animals a person owns should be sterilised and their vaccinations should be up to date.
They should also have a private vet to take care of the animals and nothing under a 1.8m wall to keep the animals in the yard. She noted this is important to ensure the animals don’t go into the street and get hit by a car. She added they will also ask prospective pet owners questions such as whether they plan on chaining the dog or keeping it in a cage. She noted it also depends on the breed of dog.
Another factor to keep in mind is they will not allow a dog or cat to be adopted into an area known for dog fighting or poisoning. They also check with the vets whether or not a prospective owner is telling the truth. For example, if someone says they had to put their dog down for whatever reason, the SPCA will phone the vet they said they had it euthanised at and find out if the person did put their dog down safely and humanely to ensure the animal did not starve while chained and forgotten.
If anyone is interested in making one of the SPCA’s four-legged friends a member of their family, head down to the SPCA to meet them. The SPCA is situated in Nadine Street, Florida, and can be contacted on 011 672 0448.
