INSPECTORS of Lower South Coast SPCA need to be applauded for their hard work and dedication to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
With a cracking response time of 45 minutes per case, the inspectors are more than exceeding the National SPCA council response time of 48 hours. But, they are calling on the public to be a little patient at times when they can’t respond like lightning, as there are only three of these ‘animal angels’ – field officers Sabelo Ngcobo and Liesl Bolton and senior inspector Julia Watson, for the entire coast and inland.
“Please be patient with us; rather work with us not against us,” said Inspector Watson.
Michael Muller, manager of the LSC SCPA said the inspectors are doing phenomenally well. I am so proud of this team, who not only work well together, but go the extra mile.
The day in the life of an inspector is challenging, with long hours and very busy, to say the least! Last month, field officers Ngcobo and Bolton dealt with 76 and 75 complaints respectively, while Inspector Watson handled 116 complaints and held a one-day clinic in Umzumbe, at which she treated 97 dogs, from vaccinations to minor treatments.
But in the past few weeks, SPCA staff have had many success stories, which serve as daily reminders as to why they are passionate about their job. Field officer Ngcobo and Werner Taljaard, newly in charge of maintenance, rescued a dog caught in a wire snare last week after two-and-a-half hours of searching through thick bush in Lion’s Grove, Marburg. The dog was very thin, but luckily not injured.
Then a kitten, now called, ‘Little Miracle’, who somehow got herself covered with some kind of substance that was hard as concrete and stuck like superglue, was rescued by a good Samaritan before the maggots living under this ‘gunk’ ate him. ‘Little Miracle’ has recovered well after her surgery and will soon be looking for a home.
“Just when you think ‘why are we doing this’ then along comes this special animal that shows us pure determination and the will to survive,” said Mr Muller.
The organisation is growing from strength to strength.
Firstly, they have purchased three new vehicles, thanks to Thompson Motors. Secondly, a new veterinarian, Dr Leo Manjora, has been employed and is set to begin on April 11. This is very exciting news for the organisation, which has been without a vet for the last few months. Dr Manjora has nine years of experience at the Johannesburg SPCA Animal Hospital.
“Dr Manjora is known for his amazing surgical work. He has a track record of conducting 16 surgical procedures per day; this is beyond his consultations,” said Mr Muller. He explained that Dr Manjora will be a huge asset to the SPCA, as he has worked for the organisation for close to a decade and knows how it operates.
Thirdly, a charity shop will be opening at Harbour View Spar. So go along, browse and support.
Mr Muller explained that the SPCA has to raise R4-million a year to keep it operating.
Shockingly, between April 2015 and March this year, 15 000 animals have come through the organisation’s door. Mr Muller believes this is largely due to tough economic times. “It’s an increase of 32 percent compared to last year,” he added. Mr Muller explained that, of these animals, they receive 52 percent donated pets and 48 percent strays. “We encourage people to bring them in and not abandon their pets,” he added.
SPCA staff deal with 3 000 cruelty-related cases every year. The good news is that the adoption statistics are good.
Mr Muller said they are planning to hold urban clinics for those pet owners who missed the rabies campaign. So watch this space!
Please support the SPCA’s ‘Save a Pet’ golf day on April 9. The main title sponsor is Clive Thompson of Thompson Motors. All funds raised are going towards the purchase cost of the new vehicles.
Please take note of this:
1. Rabies is on the rise. Veterinarian, Dr Dave Watson, has dealt with three positive cases of rabies in the past month. The rabid dogs, from Harding, Umzumbe and Port Edward, were euthanised and sent to the state vet. So please urgently get your pets vaccinated.
2. Feeding feral cats. If you start to feed feral cats please inform the SPCA so they can help get them sterilised. Please don’t wait until the cats multiply and an out-of-control colony becomes a problem.
3. Make sure your dogs are fenced in. Help the inspectors and don’t let your dogs stray, causing a disturbance.
4. Budget to get your pets (once in their lifetime) sterilised and their yearly vaccinations.
5. Ensure your dogs have fresh water at all times.
6. Think before you chain your dog – would you like to live in those conditions? Put yourself in the shoes of the animal before you tie them up.
7. Please note the SPCA is NOT a government entity, but a charity organisation reliant on the public’s support to keep it afloat.
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