SPCA brings relief to dry areas

NORTHERN KZN is currently facing one of the worst droughts in decades which has had devastating effects not only on the communities but on their domestic pets and livestock.

According to Lindsey Fogarty, Income Development and Communications Manager at Durban and Coast SPCA, the areas worst affected have no established SPCA close by and have lost thousands of animals to starvation and dehydration since 2015.

“Our inspectors felt we needed to do whatever we could to assist these defenceless animals and alleviate their suffering. A couple of weeks ago the inspectorate team put their heads and wallets together and brought their vision to the rest of our staff with overwhelming results. Our incredible team dug deep and raised almost R3000 within minutes, allowing us to purchase an astounding 1 000 litres of water to be sent to the affected areas. We then challenged the public to donate whatever they could! We ended up with 1 700 litres in total,” she said.

On Saturday 6 February, the inspectorate team volunteered their Saturday to drive to Dondhota and Ntambanana in Zululand and spent the day helping animals in need.

“They mostly dealt with families with cattle, goats, sheep, dogs and even some geese. Animals that usually shy away from human contact ran to the inspectors when they realised they had water. There was one particular herd of cattle that had trekked to a dry river bed, seemingly searching for water. When they were greeted by our inspectors they drank one bucketful after the next,” said Lindsey.

She said the inspectors said that although the task was huge and overwhelming, the relief they saw in the animals made it all worthwhile.

“They were humbled and honoured to be able to make even the smallest of differences. Where they could they left water with the animal’s owners to assist throughout this difficult time,” she said.

Lindsey said she thanked Flo-line Cleaning Services who lent the SPCA a van to transport the water, and the public who donated.