SOCIAL media has recently been abuzz with posts relating to animals gone missing, some older dogs and some puppies, with no collar and microchips, making it difficult for the owners to be tracked down.
The Durban & Coast SPCA has confirmed the rise in figures of missing dogs.
“The missing dogs figure has risen this month. We have received 35 reports thus far for June,” Tanya Fleischer marketing manager for SPCA Durban & Coast, told Northglen News last week.
Only six of these dogs have been found.
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“In comparison, for the whole of May we had 40 missing dog reports,” she said. She added that the Durban & Coast SPCA takes in over 1 000 abandoned pets per month.
“If you find a stray animal, it is most imperative that you call your nearest SPCA to collect it. You do not know what diseases this animal may be harbouring nor the nature of the animal and therefore an animal expert is best equipped to handle this situation,” she said.
She added that all animals are scanned for microchips and the best is done to reunite the animal with its owner.
“In the same light, should you no longer want your pet please drop them off with us or call us to have them collected. Animals should under no circumstances be given to anyone other than the SPCA.
“The SPCA will ensure that your animal is treated with love and respect and will do what is best for your animal,” she said.
READ ALSO: SPCA encourages owners to microchip their pets
Pet owners are urged to have their animals microchipped.
“We urge owners to have their pets microchipped as this is the only guarantee you will have of reuniting with your pet should they go missing.”
She added that microchipping is a painless procedure and is cost effective, around R150 to R200 per pet.
You can contact the SPCA on 031 579 6500.
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