Dogs abandoned at Stock Pound
"This must have happened at the weekend, because the mother of the puppy was outside the fence. And this is not the first time."
NEWCASTLE – The Newcastle Stock Pound is facing a new string of problems.
Although designated for larger animals, residents have taken to abandoning domestic animals outside the pound, explained Pound Master, Loma Muyunda last week.
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The most recent incident saw a puppy somehow discarded inside the boundaries of the pound.
“This must have happened at the weekend, because the mother of the puppy was outside the fence. And this is not the first time.”
Mr Muyunda said members of public were frequently bringing smaller animals, primarily dogs, to the Stock Pound.
He urged residents to instead approach the municipal pound.
“The contact number is 034 328 7757 and 034 328 4700 after hours.”
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Heather Gero of the Newcastle SPCA said this problem was not common to the SPCA, and seemed isolated to the Stock Pound.
She did not believe residents would drive such a distance to abandon a pet.
“Why would people do this? However, it’s likely they are leaving animals at the Stock Pound because they always respond, and the pound is closer to the township area.”
Mrs Gero cautioned the SPCA was not legally allowed to intervene in such cases unless the animal was injured, in which case it was mandated to respond and ensure the animal’s safety.
She also encouraged residents to approach the municipality in relation to pound issues.
“We cannot complain to the municipality on residents’ behalf. We can only deal with the municipality in terms of the Animal Protection Act.”
Mr Muyunda concluded with a caution to residents – he warned motorists especially to be observant on the roads, and approach either SAPS or the Stock Pound if animals were loose near or on any roads.
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