Animal services running at emergency capacity during the lockdown
Vets will be open as they form part of the essential services
Every facet of human life is being affected in one way or another by the global coronavirus pandemic. Spare a thought though for the animals that have been abandoned and surrendered, as well as those who dedicate themselves to helping them.
The Roodepoort Krugersdorp SPCA will be closed to the public but will still have some staff maintaining the facility during the lockdown. “There will be about seven of us coming in to clean the kennels and check on the animals,” confirmed Roodepoort Krugersdorp SPCA Manager, Mandy Cattanach. “The hospital will also be open from 9am to 10am, but for emergencies only,” she stressed.
Friends of Rescued Animals (FORA) will also be closed to the public with all live-in staff confined to the property. Only two of the senior staff will be commuting between the facility for supplies. Thys Mulder of FORA said, “The facility will be locked down. We are full and will only attend to serious rescues.
“Veterinarian clinics fall under the essential services banner so Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) will be open but with a skeleton staff. As they will only have four staff on duty, the public is urged to use the facility sparingly. “We discourage minor issues to be brought to CLAW. We would never turn away a sick animal but most vets will be open to service their communities,” pleaded Cora Bailey of CLAW.
