Durban SPCA delays dog adoptions

THE Durban and Coast SPCA have temporarily halted adoptions and have quarantined some of the animals under their care, after staff discovered isolated cases of two highly contagious diseases.

Caroline Smith, the marketing manager of the Durban and Coast SPCA, confirmed that staff had positively diagnosed several isolated cases of kennel cough and canine distemper, but insisted that it was not a spread infection and a normal occurrence at any SPCA.

“It happens all the time, as the diseases are often brought in by unvaccinated stray animals. If we notice an animal is coughing or showing any other symptoms of diseases they are removed from the kennels, and are tested and treated if necessary. They are only returned to the kennels and placed for adoption once we are sure that they are healthy,” Smith added.

Smith further explained that the quarantine was simply a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of the animals in their care.

“It would be irresponsible of us not to take these precautionary measures. These infections do not spread at the SPCA precisely because of these measures. The aim is to ensure that all re-homed animals are healthy and happy,” she said.

Until the SPCA have confirmed that all of the animals are healthy they will not be facilitating any dog adoptions. Smith hopes that the SPCA will re-open their adoption kennels next week.

Kennel cough and canine distemper are airborne diseases and can be fatal if not properly treated.

Contact the Adoptions Department 031 579 6524/5 or email juliet@spcadbn.org.za for further information.