The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Midrand has urged all animal owners who cannot care for their animals to bring them to the SPCA.
General manager for the Midrand SPCA Pamela Pretorius told the Midrand Reporter on 12 September, that the Midrand SPCA recently received a tip-off that three dogs had been left alone for a minimum of two weeks at a property in Midrand.
“The dogs were looking really thin and one was severely injured. When we went to the scene, we found the one animal lying on the floor and could barely move, with open wounds, bones visible and a rotten leg. The poor dog’s body’s condition was awful,” she said.
“We are not sure why the owners left the animals alone as we are still investigating the matter, but, the law clearly states that it is a contravention of the Animals Protection Act 42 of 1992 ‘the owner of any animal, deliberately or without reasonable cause or excuse, abandons it whether permanently or not, in circumstances likely to cause that animal unnecessary suffering’, it is a criminal offence.”
Pretorius said the SPCA is asking people that witness animals who are left abandoned to report it to them. “Also, owners who cannot take care of their animals due to difficult or personal circumstances should bring them to the SPCA.
“If residents see an animal without food or water, report it immediately to the SPCA. Do not put food and water because we need to see proof so we can prosecute the owners.”
All residents were urged to report issues of abandonment with a call instead of using social media. “Call our office on 011 265 9935 and our after-hours and weekends emergency line 083 441 1565 or 083 441 1564.
“People just give their dogs away without knowing how those people are going to take care of the animals. At least if people bring them to us, we will make sure and do the required checks and take them to good homes.”
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