The reassurance comes after a flood of complaints, mainly on social media, of a rise in the number of stray animals in the area, runaways, and animals being dumped on roadsides. This led many to believe that the pounds were ‘inactive’.
This in turn fueled fears of overbreeding and a spike in rabies with some residents reporting encounters with ‘dangerous and aggressive rabid stray animals.’
Residents were also concerned that animals being left to fend for themselves may lead to starvation, disease, and untreated injuries.
The Newcastle Advertiser has received several complaints that the municipal pound is ‘unreachable’ most of the time or that complaints are logged but not attended to, leaving residents to question whether or not the pound has become dormant.
However, Myende said that there are two separate facilities for small animals (cats and dogs) and one for large animals – cattle, goats, and horses.
“There are financial challenges but the pounds still provide services aimed at maintaining animal welfare and community safety.”
He said the municipality was not aware of any specific complaints regarding the operation of the two pounds but mentioned the big animal pound operates 24 hours a day and the small animal pound from Monday to Friday from 07:30 and 16:00 and Saturdays between 09:00 and 12:00.
“The majority of complaints received pertain to stray animals which are attended to as per the provisions of the Newcastle municipal bylaws.”
Myende admitted the pound was operating under financial constraints like any other sphere of the government due to economic challenges faced in the country.
“The two pounds are fully operational with limited resources; however, the municipality strives to render acceptable minimal standards. We also encourage the community to work with the municipality by ensuring that domesticated animals are kept inside their premises. When there are problems, the municipality can be contacted at 034 328 7757 during office hours and 079 542 8228 after hours. The poundkeeper can be contacted on 078 286 5606.”
He added that maintenance issues were addressed when required within the available financial resources but confirmed that ‘currently there are no facility issues affecting the normal operations of the pound.’
When asked whether community members were allowed to volunteer at the pound, Myende said community involvement was always welcomed and anyone wanting to do so was welcome to contact the Chief of Environmental Health, Mr. S. Zuma, on 034 328 7757/35.
Asked what plans there were to enhance the facility and the operations to prevent further issues from arising, Myende said the municipality had enhanced its relationship and communication with local animal welfare organisations to identify gaps in terms of animal welfare and pound operations.
However, according to another source, the pound is facing more issues than it is caring to admit.
It was claimed that the major issue was funding.
“It is about time that the municipality realise just how much of a vital service the pound is to the community. There are so many issues that come with an inactive pound, such as rabid dogs roaming the streets and constant dog fighting on streets, which pose real risks to residents.
“The pound needs more funding, and they certainly need more staff!” the source claimed.
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