THE DURBAN and Coast SPCA is urging pet owners to claim pets that were brought to the SPCA during the new year fireworks.
According to marketing manager, Megs Tweedie, 19 dogs and four cats had been taken in by Friday. At the weekend, an injured monkey and two dogs, one with lacerations and the other severely injured, were received. The animals’ injuries can be attributed to post trauma from trying to escape the fireworks. Since new year’s eve a cat with two broken legs, a dog with a broken leg and a third dog suffering internal injuries were taken to the SPCA.
“Ballito had the worst time because of the parties and the beachfront. This was a bad spot, but I can say this year was a little better than last year. I do hope this is because people are learning to look after their animals during this time. Children are also becoming more aware and there is a lot of information out there about being responsible, leading up to new year,” she said.
Megs said only two of the dogs brought in had been microchipped, however the owners could not be contacted.
“People think that microchipping pets is expensive, but we are slowly educating people in this regard. If your pet isn’t microchipped, it should have a collar and disc,” she said.
She is encouraging people to visit the kennels to claim their pets, as so far only one per cent of the animals taken in have been claimed.
Contact Durban and Coast SPCA on 031 579 6500.
