SPCA sees light at end of tunnel with new snake cam

A NEW snake cam recently purchased by the Durban and Coast SPCA, is effectively the difference between life and death for animals, says general manager, Caroline Smith.

The snake cam is a small camera mounted at the end of a 40m flexible cable, which also has a flashlight and assists SPCA inspectors see in dark tunnels.

Caroline said the camera was bought as a result of an appeal to the society's donors for funding, at a cost of R16 000.

“We sent out an appeal in May, as the one we already had, had been in for repairs for four months. It is an essential piece of equipment and we were very excited when it arrived last Friday,” said Caroline.

She said SPCA inspector, Cody Sermin was responsible for the majority of rescues and was thrilled when the new camera arrived.

“We have a problem in the community as more and more of our time is spent rescuing puppies and kittens, which is a result of the combination between negligent pet owners and the problem of manhole covers being stolen. Puppies are at risk of drowning, being injured and starving to death as they get lost in the drainage system, sometimes up to five days,” she said.

Caroline said the SPCA worked with the municipality and used municipal plans of drainage systems to follow the whining of the animal in attempts to locate them.

“This equipment now makes it quicker to locate the animals. It really is the difference between life and death for them,” she said.

She said the equipment was susceptible to breakages and funds would have to be raised to fund future repairs. She encouraged the public to help contribute to this, and the funding of an additional camera which could be used by any of the nine inspectors in the field.

If you can help, visit: www.spcadbn.org.za