Staggering increase in animal sales on social media

In the first six weeks of this year, a staggering 274 animals were put up for sale by Newcastillians on Facebook.

Of these, statistics reveal less then half of that total have been brought for important inoculations.

While the implications of these numbers may not be immediately apparent, they tie into a complex network of issues affecting the fate of the SPCA, unwanted animals and more.

Not least of all, said SPCA inspector, Elize van Rooyen, the continuous spread of animal diseases.

Explaining the pros and cons of spaying/neutering, Mrs van Rooyen mentioned how sterilising an animal reduced the chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

In her tenure as inspector, she said most bitches infected in this way had to be euthanised.

“I have seen many bitches infected with pus in the womb, and most times they cannot be saved.”

Spaying/neutering has no negative effect on the instinct of an animal, nor does it make the animal unresponsive, and the positive benefits include minimising territorial behaviour and hyperactivity.

In cats specifically, stats show a female and resultant offspring could litter about 800 000 kittens over five years.

This is mainly due to cats being more prone to roam than dogs, yet Mrs van Rooyen expected this number to increase dramatically in years to come, as animal counts were on the rise.

In fact, increases in the number of unwanted or stray animals were already affecting the SPCA significantly.

Mrs van Rooyen said although she did not have a full set of statistics, more animals were being brought in or rescued and then euthanised than those being adopted.

A few years ago, the influx of strays almost led to a full-blown breakout of distemper at the local SPCA shelter.

“People don’t understand that if they adopt from the SPCA, the animal is sterilised and vaccinated.”

Among the terrifying illnesses and diseases, which should serve as a reminder for pet owners to inoculate their animals, are the parvovirus and distemper in dogs, and sniffles in cats.

Animals suffering from these perish in the most brutal fashion.

The worst Mrs van Rooyen said she had witnessed, was a dog which could hardly move due to muscle dystrophy, yet twitched uncontrollably as it died a slow death.

“With distemper, the brain convulses, pus leaches from the eyes, and the animal develops neurological damage.”

Mrs van Rooyen said many believe three vaccinations were enough for pet’s lifetime, yet the booster shot and rabies inoculations should be administered once annually.

This was one of the main reasons she believes residents should adopt a pet from the SPCA.

While she was not against a person choosing to purchase a specific breed of animal, Mrs van Rooyen felt so many other rescued animals needed loving homes.

“You pay half-price for vaccinations and don’t just give a dog to anyone. They go through many processes to find a home.”