Animal lover Melleney hopes to qualify soon and ensure a more ‘animal friendly world’
Mellaney has also appealed to readers to remember the abandoned animals over Christmas - you can help by adding to the SPCA's wish list.
Melleney van der Westhuizen joined the Dundee District Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in August and has been hard at work training to be an inspector.
As an animal lover, Melleney has always wanted to work with animals and desired to be a veterinarian.
“I am only left with one assignment to be qualified as an inspector – the one-year-long training has been worth it,” said Melleney. She added that she is looking forward to being qualified, because it will offer her greater authority from the National SPCA. “This will also grant me magistrate’s court authority to rescue animals from cruelty,” she explained.
“Animal cruelty is very sad to witness and I can only wish that pet owners take care of their pets and make sure they provide them with proper shelter, food and water; and not chain them, but rather use a collar,” added Melleney.
She continued by saying that her greatest concern is illegal hunting.
“Seeing children as young as seven to 12 years old going hunting with dogs, and dogs getting shot is disheartening.
“Parents should teach their children about illegal hunting, as well as animal care and animal cruelty, and not wait for them to get shot during the hunting,” said Melleney.
She continued by saying that the country’s wildlife is threatened and it ‘breaks my soul’ to see the brutality animals go through.
“I was not mentally prepared to deal with the cruelty people impose on animals,” expressed Melleney.
Turning to why animal owners should sterilise their cats and dogs, she stressed that this is because breeding is a massive problem. “Spaying and castration are commonly performed surgical procedures. It can prevent certain types of cancer, reduce wandering and behavioural issues, and helps cut down the number of animals in need of homes.” She added that if pet owners are not sure where to take their animals for sterilisation, they can always contact the SPCA for assistance.
In addition, Melleney told the Courier that the SPCA doesn’t only deal with cats and dogs (though they are the commonly found animals at the SPCA), but also deal with monkeys, rabbits, snakes and so forth.
“We work with all kinds of animals. If your animal is injured and you can’t afford veterinary care, please don’t hesitate to contact us on our emergency number.”
Melleney told the Courier that the SPCA does community outreach programmes such as visiting schools and giving talks on animal welfare / cruelty.
She concluded by saying that Umzinyathi District needs more inspectors, as the Dundee SPCA covers the vast area of Endumeni, Nquthu, Pomeroy, Vryheid, Dannhauser and Wasbank. “If we could get more inspectors, it would allow Dundee SPCA to grow and more animals could be assisted. The surrounding towns need qualified inspectors to help the SPCA handle the workload in the area.”
Melleney also thanked her ‘awesome team at the SPCA who work tirelessly for the community of Umzinyathi’.
The SPCA has released its Christmas wish list – so if you can add to Father Christmas’s list, please do:
– Pressure valve for the pump at the tank;
– Kennels;
– Overalls;
– Thick welding type gloves to assist in dealing with feral cats;
– Cleaning agents and chemicals;
– F10 spray;
– Collars, big and small;
– Dog and cat food;
– Donations towards a replacement vehicle;
– Bigger balls for the dogs. They break the tennis balls easily!
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