SPCA vice-chairperson urges community to remember the safety and well-being of their pets during the festive period
“While everybody is enjoying a well-deserved rest, please do not lose sight of your responsibility towards your animals. What is usually a very exciting and enjoyable time for us, can be a very stressful time for them."
“I would like to wish everybody a joyous festive period.
“Thank you to the Vryheid community for your support during 2017. It has been an uphill climb for us financially, so we are grateful for each and every contribution we received.
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“While everybody is enjoying a well-deserved rest, please do not lose sight of your responsibility towards your animals. What is usually a very exciting and enjoyable time for us, can be a very stressful time for them.
“Remember that this is a time when fireworks are being set off in town and animals cannot tell you if they are afraid, but they do seek comfort and protection from their owners. While you are reconnecting with friends and family, please show your pets the same affection.
“People tend to lose focus of their pets during this time. Last year, my wife and I drove through the town between 10pm and 2am on New Year’s picking up pets that had escaped from their yards. A few pets we picked up were so badly injured from their escape, that they had to be put down. Please make sure that your homes are suitably secure for your pet.
“My Christmas wish is for the financial state of South Africa to improve as this will be beneficial to businesses, individuals and non-profit organisations alike. In the New Year, I would like for the SPCA to be able to be more pro-active instead of re-active. Instead of just responding to cruelty cases, I would like to take steps to prevent animal cruelty from taking place.”
