Roadside ‘puppy sales’ spike in Durban

THE Durban & Coast SPCA announced yesterday that they have recently been inundated with complaints and reports regarding the sale of puppies at robot intersections, toll gates and parking lots. The organisation has appealed to the community not to support such activities.

According to Lindsey Concer, spokesperson for animal rights group, contrary to popular belief these activities are not illegal as per the Animal Protection Act, 71 of 1962.

What’s more, she said, SPCA inspectors were not authorised to confiscate these animals.

“To confiscate any animal our inspectors have to obtain a warrant, after having proved that the owner has contravened the Animals Protection Act,” she explained.

In many cases when approached by inspectors these roadside vendors simply drop or toss the animal aside and flee, only to return with another animal the next day, she said.

“We urge members of the public to stop buying these puppies. This is the only way this problem can be alleviated. The inclination to ‘rescue’ may be borne of good intentions, but this simply creates a supply and demand scenario, encouraging hawkers to continue breeding or stealing pets,” said Concer.

Inspectors have urged community members who suspect such activities to contact Metro Police or SAPS.

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