All hands on deck at Edenvale SPCA

Since the start of the lockdown its been all hands on deck at the Edenvale SPCA to ensure the well-being of its animals.

Staff members, ranging from management to kennel hands, have remained dedicated to the well-being of the animals despite the stress caused by the lockdown.

With all of the kennels at the society full, the Edenvale branch needs as much help as it can get.

As inspector Jade Nel explained, volunteers are no longer allowed to visit the branch, so it is up to the staff to ensure the animals are exercised, fed, cared for and conduct maintenance.

“The kennel hands all stay on the property and have not seen their families since the start of the lockdown,” said Nel.

“They are committed to staying and helping the animals.”

Manager of the branch Marita Acar said the staff have made the most of lockdown and used it to empower community members through its outreach programme in Thembisa.

“With the lockdown in place, most of the residents are at home, so it has allowed us to visit pet owners, help them care for their animals and create a database of a large portion of the animals.”

“With winter around the corner, we have also assisted by distributing blankets, food and improving the living conditions of the dogs,” said Acar.

Nel said staff assisted by teaching community members how to make running chains, replacing chain collars with regular ones and the importance of suitable shelter for animals.

She said since the start of the lockdown nothing abnormal was reported to the branch.

“We have had a few noise complaints, but there wasn’t an increase in the number of abandoned animals or cruelty cases.”

Nel highlighted that the lockdown has impacted community members.

The branch received several pleas for assistance from community members to assist with the feeding of their animals.

Nel explained that several community members were willing to surrender their pets because they couldn’t feed them.

One example she provided was of a man who wanted to surrender his six dogs because he could no longer afford to feed them.

“What we have done is provided donations of animal food to pet owners in need,” said Nel.

“Whether we feed the dogs at the person’s home or in our kennels it makes no difference, but we would rather feed the animals at their homes.”

The SPCA team thanked community members for the assistance provided through donations.

The donations, like the one made on May 2 by the Crusaders Motorcycle Club South Africa when it donated 400kg of dog food, allows the SPCA to help animals in need.

“Shortly after the bikers arrived, SAPS officers came past to see what was happening. After explaining what was happening, they left,” said Nel.

The SPCA staff appealed to those in the community, who can afford to, to continue supporting the Edenvale branch.

Nel explained that although the National Council of SPCA’s sent a request to the Covid Nerve Centre committee to allow adoptions to continue, it is awaiting a response.

Nel said until a response allowing adoptions to continue is provided, Edenvale SPCA will not allow any animals to be adopted.

Phone 011 974 9268 or send an email to manager@edenvalespca.co.za to learn how you can assist the society.