Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team (SPOT) geared up to combat tick and flea season in the Mgongo informal settlement (Location Road) on November 23 by treating dogs and cats, as well as distributing some pet food where it was needed.

As this summer is particularly wet, tick and flea populations appear to be much higher than usual, requiring action to protect people’s beloved animal companions.

In addition to the dipping of animals and providing some pet food, SPOT also identified a large need for collars and leashes for the animals in the settlement.

“It was a very good day and we are very thankful for everyone’s help,” said Sanette Bosman, the director of SPOT.

Among those who showed their support on the day were local slap fighting and power lifting champion Pieter ‘Bulldog’ Vorster and Freedom Front Plus PR Clr Riaan van Zyl.

In the spirit of the day, Vorster allowed himself to be “dipped” for fun by the SPOT team. Bosman added that 60 to 70 dogs, and around 20 cats and kittens were treated.

“There were puppies too. All shapes, sizes and breeds, we had a few aggressive ones, friendly ones, but it was well worth it,” she added.

SPOT is a registered non-profit company. Their main objective is to promote responsible pet ownership through education and assistance and also to prevent cruelty, neglect or abuse.

For more information, find SPOT on Facebook (SPOT – Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team NPC – Brakpan).