Traumatised pets flood SPCA

WHILE  Durban & Coast SPCA staff say that the firework celebrations have not been particularly ‘bad’ this year, the flood of traumatised animals have already begun.”We have been a little busier than last year, but overall for the last three years the firework demonstrations have not been too intense,” said spokesman, Lindsey Concer. Over the weekend the non-profit organisation still had their hands full with call outs regarding eight new dogs and one cat. The staff and volunteers are prepared for many more to come in over the next two weeks.”Unfortunately, one of the dogs was dead on arrival while two others had to be humanly euthanised. All three suffered severe injuries and we suspect that they had been struck by cars,” said Concer.

Only one of the nine animals had some form of identification, however, Concer said the details on the microchip was not updated,

“It makes it extremely difficult for us to reunite pets with their owners if they do not have proper identification. We once again appeal to the public to consider micro-chipping their pets and keeping the information updated,” she said.

Pet owners whose animals have gone missing during the festivities are also urged to make the SPCA their first port of call.

“Local vets have already contacted us with animals that have been brought into their care, and we expect these animals will be brought to us as well. Every year we also deal with animals lovers, who come across stray or lost animals, keep them for a few days in the hopes of reuniting them with the owners, and if this not transpire they eventually bring the animals to us. While this might seem kind we ask that people rather bring the animals straight to us. The majority of people turn to the SPCA when their pets go missing, but if the animals are at a random house it makes the task impossible,”said Concer.

All animals brought into the SPCA are kept for seven days, to give owners a chance to claim their pets. Contact the SPCA on 031 579 6525/6.