No New Year’s joy for the animals
SPCA inundated with emergency calls during New Year festivities
The festive season was one of celebration for many humans, but the same cannot be said for the furry kids.According to Eric Taljaard, a Senior Inspector at the Roodepoort SPCA, the number stray dogs and cats, as well as injured animals, were a lot higher than what they experienced during the previous year’s festive season.”I was inundated with calls from residents, complaining about the fireworks scaring their pets, as well as residents reporting missing pets. On 1 January, at 3am I went to rescue a dog that was stuck in the palisades of a gate. But, unfortunately, his injuries were so severe that he did not survive the ordeal. His owners were on vacation, but because he was chipped, I was able to contact a family member to share this sad news,” he said.
He added that, if your pets went missing during the craziness of the festive celebrations, you should visit the SPCA to check their kennels. Although the Roodepoort SPCA is the municipal pound for all stray animals, animal shelters also take in strays, making it difficult for owners to find lost pets. That is why you should also contact and visit all the animal shelters in your area to see if your pets are there. The local veterinarians should also be contacted. “Putting up posters in your area with your pet’s photo and description is always a big help,” Eric said.He urged all pet owners to have their animals microchipped, as this makes it easier for them, and the veterinarians, to locate the owners. “If we find a stray animal, the first thing we do is scan it for a microchip. If there is one, we can return the animal to its owner immediately,” he said.
Owners are reminded that if their pets are at the Roodepoort SPCA, a reclaim and boarding fee will be charged before they can be taken home. “After the 96-hour pound period, all animals will be available for adoption. All adoption procedures and checks will then be applicable – even if you are the owner,” said Eric. Before any animal is reclaimed, positive proof of ownership will be required.
He concluded by saying, “It doesn’t help to complain about fireworks only during festive periods. People should draw up petitions early in the year, and send them to the relevant department to pressure them into amending the by-laws.”
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