SPCA urges responsible behaviour

The NSPCA also urges pet owners to provide the best possible care for their furry friends at a time when people unwind and sometimes get up to mischief.

“Making sure vaccinations are up to date is the first step. In addition, book your pets into boarding facilities if you are going away,” said NSPCA spokesperson, Ms Christine Kuch.

She urges pet owners to plan ahead and ensure their pets’ every need is catered for.

The NSPCA recommends microchip identification as the ideal gift if an animal does not already have this form of permanent, tamper-proof identification. It can also provide proof of ownership.

“Compassion comes in all forms and we ask for consideration towards all creatures and the promotion of responsible behaviour,” said Ms Kuch. The NSPCA appeals to everyone to choose activities that do not exploit animals in any way.

“Being the eyes and ears of the SPCA movement links to this and we ask members of the public to not be afraid of reporting anything of concern,” said Ms Kuch. This might range from youngsters aiming at living creatures with air guns, or similar items, to accidents involving animals or broken down vehicles carrying animals.

Ms Kuch urges everyone to carry the number of their local SPCA with them on their cellular phone. “Even if this is not the appropriate SPCA, they can forward the information quickly. Above all, please report concerns regarding abused, neglected or cruelly treated animals by phone. Every SPCA has an all-hours emergency number but e-mails may not be monitored around the clock and the same applies to messages of this kind on Facebook,” said Ms Kuch.

She added that the identity of an informant is always kept confidential.

The Edenvale SPCA can be contacted on 011 974-9268/9387, their emergency number is 072 183 9794.

The Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA can be contacted on 011 825-5033.