Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team (SPOT) has created feeding spots in the former Plastic City for stray dogs in the area, prompting social media posts about the dogs’ continued presence.

“There are regular social media posts and messages circulating about the former Plastic City dogs still seen wandering around the area, but this is not by accident,” said Sanette Bosman, the NPC’s director.

“We have been creating feeding spots to ensure the dogs don’t leave the area, making it easier to track and, eventually, trap them, finally securing their safety,” she explained.

“It is by no means an easy task, diligently replacing food and water daily, mostly by myself, and building a trust relationship with these dogs that are still unapproachable.

“The plan is working, as lately they have been waiting for me, and their tails have wagged at the sight of my vehicle. This brought me immense happiness,” she continued.

Gaining the dogs’ trust and keeping them in the area is, according to Bosman, a long-term strategy that takes patience.

“If rushed, we risk scaring them off, which means we won’t be able to help them,” she said.

“We know of at least six dogs split across two groups of three. One group mostly resides close to Anzac Circle, and the others at the Weltevreden dump site.”

Currently, the NPC is providing around 5kg of dry food per day, supplementing this with tinned food, doggy drywors, cooked meals and fresh water.

“We have a friendly request to the public not to try and catch or chase them, and to watch out for them on the road, as they often cross to Anzac Circle during peak-hour traffic,” Bosman said.

“Please, just leave them be until we are able to secure them. The pregnant mommy that was spotted has given birth, and I am aware of her hiding place. One baby is alive and well and being monitored. We will intervene as a last resort, as mom is taking good care of her for now,” she said.

They recently removed four other pups, of which two are still available for adoption at the time of going to print, and named in honour of the people who helped and assisted Spot during this journey, Vlam and Oliver (Ollie).
The two are waiting for their forever homes.

Unfortunately, one of the dogs near the landfill was too sick with biliary and had to be put down.

Bosman thanked Samantha Labuschagne and Beverly Gillam of Medley House, as well as Angelique and Jo-Ann Ridout of Prime PBT Accounting, for their help in constructing the dog shelters.

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