NEWCASTLE KZN: Here’s how you can become an ‘Animal Warrior’

Heather Gero of the Newcastle SPCA firmly believes puppy/kitten mills and some pet shops are often places where animal abuse is rife.

She said the animals in these places are ‘purely looked upon for their monetary value’:

“These animals are kept in cages without human contact except for cleaning and feeding and are expected to breed every season. They are usually discarded when their use has expired… They are either given away or killed,” explained Gero.

The best way to slow down the growth of puppy/kitten mills and the pet shop trade, she added, was to source pets from the SPCA and other welfare organisations.

“Individuals adopting from an SPCA will typically receive accurate information and they will be questioned about their ability to care for the pet they wish to offer a home to.”

Pre- and post-home checks also take place, and a legally binding agreement is signed by both parties.

“The officially adopted Statement of Policy of the SPCA movement is to ‘discourage the keeping of domestic animals by those who do not have the facilities, time, financial means or level of interest necessary to ensure a satisfactory standard of care and husbandry for their pets’ – domestic animals deserve to be loved, cared for, taken to the vet when necessary, played with, taken for walks etc,” commented Gero.

In that sense, SPCAs are extremely careful to ensure these qualities are available in all prospective homes.

Alternately, Gero advised prospective pet owners, or ‘Animal Warriors’ to buy pets from bona fide breeders registered with the relevant organisations, if a specific breed is required.

For more information, Gero has urged residents to contact the SPCA on 034 318 2346 or visit the organisation on Samson Drive in Barry Hertzog Park.

ALSO READ: Here’s how to report animal cruelty

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