Litres galore for SPCA animals

It is not every day that readers are privy to a feel-good news story, but this is one.

Hundreds of community members rallied to assist the Randburg SPCA, which was left without water due to a burst pipe – resulting in animal lives being at risk.

However, hundreds of animals housed at the facility were not left thirsty or exhausted by yesterday’s scorching heat because countless litres of water were donated by the public.

The donations were made after the Randburg SPCA put up an urgent Facebook post in which it said: “Due to a burst water pipe we have no water!!!” It went on to say: “Thank you to each and everyone for the water … This is horrible and in this heat!!! Please bring water if you can!!”

Johannesburg Water came to the rescue as well with a water tank carrying 2 500 litres.

According to SPCA inspector Theo Mahube, the water had only just been trickling in by 11am, and this had raised concerns. “It [the crisis] started this morning after the pipe burst in Northriding.

“After we put up a Facebook post, hundreds of members of the public started bringing in thousands of litres of water,” Mahube said. “Even Joburg Water responded with a tank,” and ecstatic Mahube added.

The water was primarily used for the animals, including dogs and cats, to quench their thirst, he said. But in such sweltering weather, cooling off pools had to be filled for animals to take a dip and replenish their strength.

A number of social media users used Facebook to post pictures of the donations and asked for more assistance.

“In awe of the support for Randburg SPCA today, they put out an appeal for water and the community responded immediately! So humbled to be part of such an amazing community. Well done!,” posted Facebook user Lynden Cotterell.

Mahube was similarly humbled by the response. He said the public responded so quickly and very well, and “they are still coming through”, he said late yesterday afternoon.

It was not certain when water would be restored in the area.

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