WHILE Durban & Coast SPCA staff say that the firework celebrations have not been particularly ‘bad’ this year, the flood of traumatised animals have already begun to pour in. More than six dogs and a cat were brought in over the New Year’s period. In December, 280 dogs were taken in unwanted and more than 108 unwanted cats were also handed in. A total of 600 stray cats were rescued while 325 dogs were rescued in the same period.
“We have been a little busier than last year, but overall for the last three years the firework demonstrations have not been too intense,” said spokesman, Lindsey Concer. Over the weekend, the non-profit organisation still had their hands full with call outs regarding eight new dogs and one cat.
“On New Year’s Eve we had two dogs, hit by cars, and one dog with bite wounds. These three are currently being treated. Two other dogs were brought in, unfortunately dead on arrival. On the first two days of January, five stray dogs and one stray cat were brought in. We expect these numbers to increase over the next two weeks.”
Pet owners whose animals have gone missing during the festivities are also urged to make the SPCA their first port of call.
“The SPCA urges owners whose pets may have gone missing, to visit their local SPCA, or any SPCA near to them, to check for their missing pet and create a lost report. You can call the Durban and Coast SPCA for more information on 031 579 6500.