Brakpan SPCA still going strong
While facing these challenges and doing the best they can for stray animals, the society has appealed to residents to be considerate during Diwali and Guy Fawkes celebrations.
Although the Brakpan SPCA has been without a manager since August, the organisation is still there to serve the community.
Former manager Shiven Bodisang left the local society in August and a new manager has not yet been appointed.
Chairperson of the Brakpan SPCA committee, Sanette Bosman, has assured residents, however, that the day-to-day operations are still being taken care of under the watchful eye of Mariska Venter, acting supervisor, and new office administrator, Benjamin Roets.
While facing these challenges and doing the best they can for stray animals, the society has appealed to residents to be considerate during Diwali and Guy Fawkes celebrations, which are around the corner and usually include fireworks.
Although the displays are entertaining to most people, it can cause severe stress and trauma for animals both domesticated and wild.
Read: SPCA still in need of your support
“We are appealing to community members who will be celebrating Diwali on October 27 to let their light shine for the animals and the knowledge of the trauma fireworks causes to overcome any ignorance that it won’t hurt anyone or anything,” said Bosman.
“To every member of the public commemorating Guy Fawkes (November 5), we urge you to avoid the use of fireworks and consider the environment, animals, neighbours and anyone else who will suffer as a result of their use.”
• The effect of fireworks on animals
Animals have very sensitive hearing.
In most communities, this applies to dogs and cats.
Loud bangs and whistles such as those from fireworks may cause pain in their ears and could lead to long-term damage to their hearing.
The bright bursts and flashes also affect wildlife such as birds who can become disorientated, leading to injuries or fatalities.
Dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, horses etc. can easily be frightened by the loud noise fireworks produce.
The majority of animals in a state of panic will typically do anything to escape the noise, such as digging under fences, breaking through windows, running through gates, jump walls or fences which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities, being knocked over by vehicles or the animals being lost.
• How can you help your pet?
Walk your dogs during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
Ensure your pets’ collars or microchips are up-to-date with correct contact information.
If possible, stay home with your animals or if you can’t be home, keep them inside.
Create a “safe space” if your pet doesn’t have one or find a quiet, comfortable, enclosed room where your pet can “hide” if they need to.
Ensure they cannot break through a window or injure themselves, this needs to be a safe place.
Read: SPCA rescues puppy locked in car: owner arrested
Have some of their favourite toys, blankets or treats accessible to them.
Chewy bones for dogs, and catnip or catnip toys for cats can help distract them from the noise.
Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks; playing calming music at a reasonable volume will also help.
If your pets have a history of anxiety, it is best to seek professional advice from your veterinarian ahead of time.
The Brakpan SPCA will be on standby for stray emergencies on 083 696 9052.
For personal pets, residents are kindly requested to contact a veterinarian.
“We appeal to the public that if they happen to find an animal in the street to try and keep the animal calm and safe in one place as animals change direction very quickly and we often find that it is gone when we arrive,” said Bosman.
“Keeping a stray animal or re-homing someone’s else’s pet is against the law; all stray animals are to be handed in at the local pound, which is the SPCA.”
• The Brakpan SPCA will be offering pet microchipping at a special discounted rate from October 20 to 26.
Microchipping can help reunite lost pets with their owners.
The cost for microchipping during this period is R120 (per pet) and the chip is registered with the details of the pet’s owner.
For more information contact the society on 011 742 2007.
Also read: Follow these easy steps to adopt an animal from the Brakpan SPCA
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or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
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