Local animal NPO turned away by Metro
Local resident says she is disheartened by response from Metro K9 unit.
A REDHILL organisation that attempted to make a donation to the eThekwini Metro Police’s K9 Unit was turned away from the kennels last Monday (15 June). The NPO, Feeding the Furballs, strives to provide rescue animals and rescue organisations with food and supplies. Chairperson of the organisation, Farrah Khan Maharajh, told the Northglen News she was disheartened and disappointed by the way their gesture was received.
Khan Maharajh, along with her mother and another volunteer, were turned away with more than R15 000 worth of shampoo, food, dog bowls, deworming tablets and other items for the Durban-based unit.
“Originally I was alerted to the fact that the Metro Police Dog Unit was plagued with a number of shortages. After networking and a wonderful response from the local community, we were ready to deliver. However, when we got to the gate, we were asked to leave the premises.
“I was told they could not accept the food in case it was poisoned, and while I understood that, I asked why they couldn’t accept the other items. But we were refused at every turn. The man, who was wearing blue overalls, also told me everything the media had reported on was lie. He was extremely rude and the response was not what we expected,” she said.
Khan Maharajh has begun re-distributing the 400kg of dog food to other animal organisations that need help.
In recent months, local media have reported that officers have been buying food and other essentials for the K9 unit out of their own pockets.
However, city spokesperson, Tozi Mthethwa, assured the residents that there is no shortage of dog food and various other essential grooming and handling items for Metro Police dogs.
“A routine stock verification recently conducted indicates that there is adequate supply of dog food. Furthermore, items such as shampoo, check chains, leashes, tackle suits, dog brushes and tracking leads are in stock. Metro Police cannot accept donations because there is sufficient stock in place, therefore it is not necessary to accept donations from the public.
“Importantly, all dogs in the Metro Police Dog Unit are vaccinated and their medical records are filed accordingly. Our dogs are attended to by qualified and experienced veterinary physicians. The care of Metro Police dogs is of utmost importance to Council as they are an integral part of the Metro Police family and every effort is being made to ensure that their care is of an acceptable standard,” she said.
