Spike in missing or abandoned pets: What is the cause?
According to animal activists backyard breeding and the economy is to blame for the number of abandoned and stray animals in Durban.
WITH as many as four or five posts regarding lost, stray or ‘in-need-of-a-home’ animals shared onto the Durban North Neighbour’s Facebook page the Northglen News decided to investigate the source of these posts.
Was there a sudden spike in stray or abandoned pets, or have we as a society only begun to notice the severity of the situation through social media? This was our burning question.
In an attempt to get to the bottom of this conundrum we firts spoke to Durban North resident and director of Dachshund Haven, Lakota Schult, who confirmed that she had definitely noticed an increase of dogs in need of a new home.
Economy to blame
Schultz blamed the economy for the recent spike, saying many people have been forced to downsize their homes and were moving into complexes which don’t accommodate their furry friends.
“Last year was our worst year ever. We currently have 56 dogs in our care, 16 of which were handed to us this year alone. For every one pup we rehome we have to turn down three,” she said.
She also argued that backyard breeding remained a major issue, “They continue to breed animals in the hopes of making a quick buck, but when the puppies are too old and no longer sell able, they dump them on animal organisations”.
Charnell Ruth, of Husky Rescue KZN echoed Schultz’s sentiments, saying she had also noticed a spike in the last six months.
“While one has to take into account that Facebook is indeed a powerful medium being used more and more regarding the issue I have to admit that I have noticed a spike in animals needing homes,” she said.
Ruth also speculated that the issue emanated from the economy.
“It’s sad and worrying. Spaying animals has become virtually impossible for the average man, and in the end their dog gets covered and it perpetuates the situation,” she explained.
According to Ruth crime could also be a factor, as many people are moving to complexes, which are perceived as more secure.
“The situation has become dire. I have 15 dogs in my care which is all that I can handle at the moment. We seem to be rescuing more dogs than what we rehome,” she said.
However, Quicha Morgado, La Lucia resident and founder of Project Dog said she has not experienced an increase. She believed Facebook was highlighting an already dire situation.
Usually Morgado has 60 dogs in the organisation’s care.
Related articles
Husky Rescue KZN huskies looking for good homes
Tiny ‘underdog’ finds his forever home
