THE Durban & Coast SPCA has once again been inundated with terrified and lost animals, following the recent New Year’s celebrations.
Since New Year’s eve 18 dogs and four cats were taken to the SPCA. One of the kittens died en-route, while another was seriously injured when it was struck by a car. The tiny feline was found lying in the middle of the freeway in Phoenix with two broken legs.
Inspectors believe that the kitten was running away from the fireworks when it was struck. Three of the dogs were also struck by cars as they desperately attempted to flee the loud bangs.
Only two of the dogs’ owners have been identified, after inspectors scanned them for microchips. They will be reunited with their owners once inspectors are able to contact them.
Despite firework restrictions, Megs Tweedie, the marketing manager of the Durban and Coast SPCA, said the firework displays used to commemorate the start of the new year is still a major issue for the animal organisation.
“It is still like a war zone. It would be better if people only set off the fireworks that create pretty lights, but some people are still setting off awfully noisy and loud fireworks. Those are the ones that terrify animals the most. Animals sense of hearing is much more acute than humans, therefore even if all the windows and doors are closed, and the television and radio is tuned up high they still hear and are terrified by the noise,” she said.
Pet owners are urged to visit the SPCA if they have lost their pets during the New Year’s festivities. The animals are kept for seven days before they are put up for adoption – giving owners time to claim their pets and for the inspectors to ensure that the animals are healthy.
The SPCA staff have also urged residents to adopt some of the other stray animals that have been put up for adoption. One of the animals, Omelette, has been searching for his forever home since November.
“He was handed over to the SPCA by his owners. He is a four and a half-year-old fox terrier cross, with a shy temperament. He is good with children and other dogs,” said Tweedie.
