WATCH: SPCA vaccinates and educates in Reiger Park

About 96 dogs were vaccinated against rabies in Reiger Park on World Rabies Day (September 28).

Rabies is a serious viral illness that can affect any warm-blooded animal and it is also a zoonotic disease (which means people can become infected by an infected animal).

Stationed near the Reiger Park SAPS, the Boksburg SPCA’s outreach team spent their afternoon vaccinating, dipping and deworming the dogs. Approximately 200 pet owners went home with pet food, blankets, collars and parasite remedies.

Residents applauded the SPCA for bring the free services closer to them.

Educating about dog fighting

The SPCA staff also used the opportunity to educate pet owners about dog fighting, which has become a growing concern in Reiger Park.

Informative pamphlets about dog fighting were also handed out, which state that the National Council of SPCA’s is offering a reward of up to R15 000 to anyone who might have information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

According to Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore, they reached a handful of young minds about the illegalities of such an act.

“We were also pushing to sterilise as many pets as possible because the breeding in that area is inconceivable.
“It’s extremely worrying when pet owners bring dozens of pit bull puppies for assistance because we don’t condone breeding.
“Breeding becomes a concern when there’s no money to properly care for the animal and that sometimes leads to cruelty and neglect,” said Finnemore.

The Advertiser took the opportunity on World Rabies Day to speak to some owners of “power breed” dogs.
One of the residents who has a power breed dog, , Clement Vanderbyl, said he was grateful for the SPCA’s services in their community.

He said he doesn’t condone dog fighting because dogs are meant to be companions and not to be used for entertainment.

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Another resident, Tertius Nieuwenhuis, said he was against dog fighting but added that his two dogs enjoy fighting each other at home, which recently resorted in one of them being injured.

The SPCA provided further insight into dog fighting:
What is dog fighting?
Dog fighting is the premeditated and cruel practice of encouraging and inciting two dogs to attack and fight each other until one of the dogs is either killed or is too injured and exhausted to continue fighting.

How to recognise the presence of dog fighting
• Pit bull terriers kept on heavy chains or confined in small areas, like alleys, garages or cages.
• Residences or properties with multiple pit bulls that are unsterilised, unsocialised or unfriendly to other animals.
• Pit bulls that have evidence of repeated injuries – multiple scars or injuries on their bodies, especially their faces.
• Groups of pit bulls being walked at unusual hours, especially late at night.

What does the law say?
It is a crime to be involved in any manner with the fighting of animals or to own, keep, train or breed animals used for fighting.
It is also a crime to incite/encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight.
It is a crime to promote animal fighting for money or entertainment.

How the public can help
If you suspect that dog fighting is taking place in your area, call your local SPCA or the NSPCA on 011 907 3590/083 763 6311 or email them at specialinvestigations@nspca.co.za.

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Also Read: Boksburg SPCA needs support to host an outreach programme in Vosloorus

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