THE Durban & Coast SPCA has expressed its sadness over the number of stray and unwanted animals in the last two months. Lindsey Concer, SPCA spokesperson said there have been more than 1 600 stray cats that have been brought in while more than 400 stray dogs have been rescued by the organisation.
Concer is calling for more responsible pet ownership after the latest influx of traumatised pets following the New Year celebrations. Of concern, is the high number of unwanted animals being brought in to the SPCA.
Added to the numbers, in the first week of the new year, an additional 29 stray dogs and unwanted dogs have been brought in.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the number of animals being given up and the reasons that are given. There are instances where pet owners cannot find suitable accommodation for their pets but one of the most ridiculous excuses we had recently was a family saying their dog would run out the gate every time it opened. I think there needs to be more responsibility from pet owners.
“If you consider the national average of the adoption at the SPCA which is nine per cent, and the high number of animals that have been brought in over the last few months, the situation is untenable. We have no option but to humanely euthanise dogs and cats which is heart-wrenching. We’ve also noticed a similar problem with cats, pet owners are just not sterilising their cats and we’ve had a higher than average intake of cats,” she said.
Concer appealed to pet owners whose animals have gone missing during the festivities to make the SPCA their first port of call.
Contact the Durban and Coast SPCA on 031 579 6500.
