Dog lost for 10 days is rescued by Midrand SPCA
Thanks to the dedication of the Midrand SPCA, the dog was found.
Residents of Randjesfontein spotted a scared dog running around the estate and tried to catch it for days since February 14.
However, their efforts were in vain, and they had to seek assistance from the Midrand SPCA.
Upon arrival, the SPCA team instructed the residents to remove all food set out and set up their feeding stations to establish where the dog went most frequently.
Despite the residents’ watchful eyes, the dog disappeared when Inspector Theo Mokgatle went out to track it on February 19.
Inspector Jerry Seemise then spent long hours during the day and night to find the mystery dog.
Finally, on February 23, in the evening, he set up the special dog trap with a feeding station inside, which successfully caught the dog.
Midrand SPCA general manager Pam Pretorius said it was exhausting, time-consuming, and costly as the team had to do many trips back and forth – not to mention the medical treatment.
“Although the SPCA’s mandate does not cover stray animals as they fall under municipal by-law, we will never leave any animal that needs assistance and is potentially in danger.
“However, it would help if community members could alert us timely, instead of chasing the animals, which only makes them more fearful. They either run away and we have no idea where to, or they are at risk of running into a road and getting injured.”
The society urges the public to keep an eye on the animal without making it obvious, call them with the exact location, and watch where it is heading if they spot an animal that is not approachable.
“Catching these animals takes patience and much less stress on the animal if the SPCA sets up feeding stations monitored by one person and then traps. It is time-consuming and costly when we get calls reporting the animal, but when we get there, the animal has disappeared.”
Gypsy, as the residents named the dog, is now safely in SPCA care. Although the dog was terrified and underweight, the society staff patiently worked with it as it regained its trust in humans.
The SPCA thanks all the residents who cared greatly for this dog and her well-being, with a special thank you to Randjesfontein Security.
Details: Midrand SPCA 011 265 9935.
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