Who removes dead animals from roadsides?
While many might think it best to report the incident to the SPCA, this is not the way to go.
Everyone has seen animal carcasses left to rot on the road for days or even weeks without being cleared away.
Many animals meet their end this way, and the sight of their bloodied or stiff bodies slowly decomposing by the roadside is unpleasant, to say the least.
Motorists caught by surprise with no time to react may run over the carcass again, contributing to the messy scene.
While many might think it best to report the incident to the SPCA, this is not the way to go.
There are various reasons why the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA does not collect dead animals, including after road accidents.
According to SPCA Public Relations Officer, Christine Kuch, transporting a dead animal carries genuine risks and the vehicle would have to be fully sanitised after every such trip to protect future animal passengers. This would take time and money but most importantly, it would take their vehicle out of service for periods of time.
“Picking up carcasses is a municipal duty. It is not through lack of compassion that the SPCA does not do this. It is because we care and protect other animals who depend on us,” she said.
“We understand the trauma of seeing a dead animal. We understand the frustration of caring people in such circumstances. We ask for the community’s understanding that we act in the interest of other animals who can still be helped.”
However, if an animal has been hit by a vehicle and is still alive, motorists are urged to contact the SPCA immediately on 011 672 0449 which is an all-hours emergency service.
If the animal cannot be saved, motorists are advised to call Mogale City’s Integrated Waste Management on 011 951 2104 in order to have the carcass removed.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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