Surrenders of pets hits horrible high for SPCA
The small but committed team, cover a large area and achieve much despite the hardships.
One of the signs as to how tough times are at the moment is the alarming number dogs and cats being surrendered to the Lower South Coast SPCA. SPCA has seen a huge increase in surrenders and strays – with a total of 2175 dogs and 1096 cats through the pound from April to December last year.
Mike Davis, Operations Supervisor of LSC SPCA, urges pet owners who are unable to look after their animals to rather surrender them than take matters into their own hands. “This comes after the shocking discovery of a dead female dog found washed up on the beach, with wire bound tightly on both her front and hind legs,” said Davis. “Times are certainly tough and with no support from government, SPCA relies solely on the support of the community,” he said.
The small but committed team, cover a large area and achieve much despite the hardships. In between attending to animal cruelty complaints and routine checks of animal pounds, abattoirs and hawking sites, the team visits inland areas such as Bizana, Paddock, Harding and rural areas inland stretching from Hibberdene to Port Edward. “We are extremely busy and with petrol and food costs increasing, not helped by having to run a generator daily, it takes a toll on the Society,” said Davis.
However, having said all this, he said SPCA does receive much support from the community and it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. “Every cent counts and we thank the community for its ongoing support. It doesn’t always have to be a monetary donation, we welcome volunteer dog walkers, or even help with maintenance,” he said.
Davis further thanked the community for taking more responsibility of their pets during the December and New Year period, as they received less stray animals than previous years.
“We operate the LSC SPCA with an open-door policy.”
The LSC SPCA has a new committee, with Eloni O’Dell chairperson and Beyers Joubert as treasurer. Three other members are NSPCA inspectorate/liaison officers Majahencwala Madonsela, Wrolien Rabie and Tercia Woest.
A recent highlight for Mike Davis and Inspector Maduna was being part of the release of a green turtle back in to the ocean. They accompanied the staff of Ushaka Marine World on the Marine Research Vessel.
For more information on the local SPCA, you can contact them on 0393120962, 0832227354 or 083 2226355 (animal related emergency number).
And don’t forget to donate any second-hand items to the popular charity shops.
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