SPCA tackles ‘big bang’ aftermath
Diwali firework festivities brought an influx of animals into the SPCA's shelter.
AMIDST Diwali firework festivities at the weekend, the Kloof and Highway SPCA admitted 28 dogs and three cats.
The SPCA received eight calls about lost animals that had been found and five reports of missing pets.
Thirteen dogs were handed in as unwanted for various reasons, such as the owner had too many animals or could not afford to keep them, which added to the SPCA’s already stretched capacity.
Inspectors were out all weekend and were inundated with calls about stray animals and the abuse of fireworks which were then referred to metro police.
Unfortunately the sound of the loud bangs could also be heard at the SPCA and there were many traumatized animals which needed to have calming medication. In one case a husky that had almost chewed through its bars had to be heavily sedated.
THE SPCA had consulted with the SAPS and metro police about responding to complaints about the abuse of fireworks, in particular the ‘big bangs’. They received positive feedback from some areas, but they were reportedly inundated with so many calls from angry and frustrated residents that it was impossible to attend to all of these.
The SPCA thanked all of their staff, the public, the SAPS and the metro police for their help during the Diwali festivities.
On Monday 4 November an eight year-old boerbull female was found in the toilet of a Shell Garage on Marianhill Road.
Ashley resident Roxanne McEwan said, “We assume she had escaped from her home, petrified by the fireworks, and were kept safe by petrol attendants who found her. I took her to the SPCA when I heard that no one had claimed her.”
If anyone has lost a dog or cat, please visit the SPCA shelter to identify your animal as we would like to reunite animals.
Contact 073 335 9322.
