Make this festive season a pet-friendly one
With school holidays and Christmas approaching, community members should aid the SPCA in making this a great time for animals as well.
The White River SPCA, which operates in Hazyview and surrounds as well, is already housing many strays and neglected and abused animals and expects an influx of in the coming weeks.
There are currently only two inspectors active in the region, which means they are incredibly busy and need to cover a huge area. The community is urged to assist them in their work when possible and exercise patience when reporting a matter.
White River inspector Michelle van Wyk says the community should take note of the SPCA’s emergency number: 082-706-1240. This line is manned 24/7 and should only be used for emergencies.
For animal emergencies in the Hazyview area, Van Wyk recommends that pet owners make use of the services of White River Animal Hospital, as one of their veterinarians visit town on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They currently work out of a temporary building at Perry’s Bridge and are huge supporters of the White River SPCA.
Van Wyk says strays are a huge problem for them, as these animals can be injured if chased by inspectors. If community members notice strays and are willing, they should try to befriend the animal and keep it in a safe place until the SPCA can come pick them up or even go drop of the animals at the White River kennels.
The inspector notes that the SPCA is not allowed to remove animals from premises if the owners are not around and asks that community members keep an eye out for animals that are being neglected or abused and inform the SPCA accordingly.
The SPCA not only reacts on cases of abuse, but also do proactive inspections at various local industries such as chicken farms, K9 units and all businesses that exhibit animals to ensure that the animals are being treated correctly.
During the recent heatwave Van Wyk also went into the villages and settlements like Jerusalem, Masoyi and all along the old Numbi road from White River to check that animals had adequate water supply. She says the animals in the area all had water and noted that one gogo had even forgone bathing for a week to ensure her beloved dog had enough drinking water.
During the holidays, pet owners should make sure that their pets are well-looked after (if they intend to go away for a few days) or make use of kennel services such as the one provided by the White River SPCA.
Enquiries: 013-750-0240 or wrspca@outlook.com.
Check out the pets currently up for adoption at the White River SPCA here.
