Hazyview Pets in Distress (PID) is calling on the public to assist it with donations to secure one of the vehicles to be auctioned off by the City of Mbombela (CoM).

According to the PID, it currently uses its members’ personal vehicles to attend to the animals in distress. If PID can secure one of the bakkies, it will make a huge difference to the organisation when it comes to transporting animals. “We are calling members of the community to see if someone can donate money to our organisation so we can bid on a bakkie. We also plead with the municipality to perhaps donate one of these bakkies for free, because we assist animals that don’t have anyone to take care of them,” members of PID urged.

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The organisation is also calling on people to support its flea market on March 30 and vendors to become part of it at a cost of R120 per stall. This would not only help the animals, but also see vendors earning some money. This is a way for the PID to make money to assist with securing the much-needed vehicle. For more information on how to donate or be part of the flea market, contact 068 085 2822.

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The PID’s goals are to provide assistance to animals desperately in need of help. These include sufficient food and water, and being kept tick- and flea-free. The members said most owners generally do their best to ensure their animals are well looked after, but there are those who think that pets are a only a means of protection against crime and believe making them more vicious through abuse is acceptable.

“No animal deserves to be tied up. They need to be exercised and trained. Nothing fancy, just basic commands,” the PID said.

The spokesperson for CoM, Joseph Ngala, said the date for the official auction has not yet been confirmed. However, bidders are welcome to approach the municipality during working hours.