SPCA encourages owners to microchip their pets
The SPCA urged residents not to abuse their after-hours number, saying it is only for emergencies like sick and injured stray animals.
THE Durban & Coast SPCA has encouraged pet owners to make sure that their pets have microchips. During last year’s festive season, starting 24 December 2018 to 1 January 2019, the Durban and Coast SPCA said they admitted over 300 cats, kittens, puppies and dogs. According to the facility’s marketing manager, Tanya Fleischer, only a handful of the pets had microchips.
“Of the number of animals we received only 27 per cent were surrendered as unwanted pets, with 73 per cent being strays. Of the 73 per cent, only 16 animals have been claimed by their owners, a handful of them having had microchips. Others are still waiting for their owners or are waiting for new homes.”
According to experts microchips have proven to be one of the most efficient ways to reconciling missing pets with their owners. Even though most pet owners prefer to buy their pets collars with name tags with the owner’s phone number, the microchip is still advised as it is permanent and can’t be separated from the pet.
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She went on to say this festive season also saw an increase in the number of animals admitted when compared to previous season and the association is still expecting more to continue coming in over the next few weeks.
“Unfortunately there were reports of dogs that ran away in fear of the fireworks that were knocked and killed by cars. The festive period also saw 5 rescues. Our Inspectorate received 62 calls for collections during this period and over a hundred calls were received after hours on 31 December and 1 January,” she added.
Fleischer further urged residents not to abuse their after-hours number, saying it is only for emergencies like sick and injured stray animals.
“Most of the calls were owners concerned about their lost pets. For injured pets please contact your private vet and for lost pets owners must please call the Kennels department during office hours (Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm & Sat 8am – 12.30pm) to complete a lost pet report on 031 579 6524/6. Please ensure your pets are microchipped as this is the best and easiest way for them to get back to you in the event that they get lost. You can book with the SPCA to have your pet’s microchipped,” she said.
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