The SPCA does not enforce the legislation regarding stray animals.
It seems like the community are not informed on what to do when a stray dog or cat is found in the street.
Letaba Herald spoke to Inspector Ellie Potgieter from the Letaba SPCA and she emphasized that the SPCA is a movement to prevent cruelty to animals and only act as a shelter for unwanted animals, which are admitted by the community.
In the event of an animal being run over, and it is still alive, the SPCA will respond immediately.
However, there is no point in the SPCA (charity) wasting time and very limited resources because of a dog or cat running in the street.
All animal related emergencies takes priority 24/7.
Cruelty complaints are investigated within 24 hours.
Inspections are conducted at all facilities confining, handling, slaughtering or selling animals on a regular basis by the Inspector of Letaba SPCA.
It is the responsibility of the pet owner to keep their animals on their premises at all time in a proper fenced area according to the Municipal Bylaws.
If community members see any stray animals in the street they can take it to the SPCA.
A proper ID Disc will be issued to the stray animal when claimed by the rightful owner.
If not claimed within 14 days, they will be re-homed through a thorough adoption process.
The SPCA will never refuse any animals.
According to Neville Ndlala, spokesperson at the Tzaneen Municipality, the municipality has to be notified about roaming animals or pets and they will investigate.
Residents can contact the municipality’s Traffic division, to trace the owner of the pet and if he\she cannot be traced, the animal must be surrendered to the SPCA.
The community can contact Superintended Rufus Motlhape on 083 439 5364.
Residents are reminded that pets must be registered on a yearly basis as it makes it easier for the Municipality to trace the owners of the pet.
Only 16 dogs have been registered this year.
The Municipality would like to warn the community that the legislation of the Municipal Bylaws will be strictly enforced.
