If you encounter any situation involving an animal that concerns you, report it quickly and directly.

“There is a trend for people to send an email or to take a photograph and place it on Facebook,” explained NSPCA PRO Christine Kuch.

“This delays response.

“Please carry the number of your local SPCA on your cellphone and contact them immediately with as much information as possible.

“Even if this is not the “correct” SPCA, they can forward details quickly.”

An appeal is made to be mindful of the welfare of all animals and not to fear coming forward with information.

Pets, especially exotic animals, are unsuitable as surprise gifts.

As with so many issues, animal welfare starts at home.

Ensuring that your own animals have been vaccinated up to date, including against Rabies, is the first step.

Make sure that each animal has identification — with microchip identification being advocated.

Whether you are going away or staying at home, make plans and have back-up plans in case of accident, illness or any other emergency that may arise.

Organise a caring person to be on standby to assist with animals if need be.

The contact details of your veterinarian and the local SPCA need to be with him or her.

Be caring and cautious with regard to festivities.

Ensure that pets cannot reach food or treats, especially chocolate which can be toxic to dogs.

Party items or decorations can be mistaken for toys and accidents could occur.

The best advice is to give animals either a room of their own during festivities or make sure that they have a space to hide away from the hubbub.

It is not only fireworks that terrify pets.

So-called “poppers” can also startle them and bursting balloons can cause panic.

Be aware, show you care and be mindful of animals at all times.

A reminder that the SPCA movement is an animal welfare organisation not a veterinary service.

If your animal needs veterinary treatment or vaccinations, contact your private veterinarian.

If you wish to report an animal being cruelly treated, neglected, abused or abandoned, contact your local SPCA.

The Brakpan SPCA can be contacted on 011 742 2007.