Decrease in strays at Amanzimtoti SPCA over festive season

THE Amanzimtoti SPCA said increasing responsibility among pet owners has led to a notable decline in animals at the shelter in recent years, particularly over the festive season.

The SPCA’s Michelle Hannan thanked all those who contributed towards their Christmas Doggy Dinner Fund which helped them buy food for the animals housed at the SPCA.

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“As always, it makes a huge difference to the care we can give all the animals, especially the strays over the Christmas period. We are truly grateful to all of you. Bless your families and you,” she said.

The SPCA also gave a special thanks to their volunteer of 10 years, Laura Konig, who raised R3 550 with the help of her yogis.

Hannan said that over the years, the number of animals that come to the SPCA has decreased. “We hold hope that this is due to the fact that more people are being responsible and taking into consideration their animals’ well-being and welfare,” she said.

Despite this improvement, there were still a few dogs that came in after the loud bangs from fireworks on New Year as well as several that went missing. Hannan said, “Callers from as far as The Bluff were phoning us and checking if animals came in. Please, we ask pet owners to not only be aware of the dangers of fireworks but also storms.”

If anyone is missing a pet or if a pet goes missing, the first step is to contact the local SPCA. Hannan said that then pet owners should drive around and look in bushy areas as there are many illegal snares that animals can get caught in.

“They can also use surveillance cameras, whether theirs or the neighbours’, to see what happened or where they went. If there is no luck, put a missing pet poster up with a reward. Pet owners can also contact the CCPO or local neighbourhood watches to help with the search,” she said.

If someone finds a stray or injured dog, they should take it through to a local vet to see if it is microchipped so that the owners can be located and/or treatment can be administered. “Any animal found as a stray should be reported to the SPCA even if they keep the animal. This must be done within the first 24 hours of having the animal. People who keep animals without reporting it to the SPCA can be charged with theft,” added Hannan.

In order to help identify lost pets, the SPCA provided the following safety measures:
• Make sure your animal is microchipped.
• Make sure you keep updated, clear pictures of your animals.
• Put a collar and tag with your details on your dog/cat.
• Keep your animals inside when there are fireworks or a storm.
• Keep your dogs away from the road.
• Make sure all gates are secure and closed and that your fence is sufficient for the pet you own.

For more information, to locate or to report a missing animal, contact the Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031 904 2424.

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