684 Animals assisted in just one month
Animal cruelty is a reality the RandWest SPCA regularly has to live with, in October alone 684 animals living in bad situations were assisted.
The RandWest SPCA has dealt with an alarming number of animals in need of assistance in October. From hoarders to animal outlets, these animals were found in terrible conditions.
SPCA manager René van Straten explained they assisted 684 animals in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. They removed 174 animals from one hoarder and 114 from another, the other animals were found at pet shops, piggeries and chicken outlets in areas ranging from Krugersdorp to Randfontein and Westonaria.
“Hoarding is a mental disorder so we have sympathy with it, but we still can’t allow animals to suffer due to it. The animals didn’t ask to be there and no animal lover will allow animals to be in these situations,” Van Straten said.
She continued people should be aware of the organisations they give animals to. Many organisations are doing great work rescuing animals, however, other organisations put animals in the same bad situation they were in before.
“It is difficult for rescuers to draw the line and say they cannot take in any more animals or they do not have the funds to care for them and then direct people to other organisations or the SPCA.
“Many people do not want to show people to the SPCA as they are under the impression that all we do is euthanise animals, however, in some cases there is no other choice but euthanasia.”
She explained the only reason they would euthanise an animal is due to the overpopulation of animals and no loving homes are willing to take them. They then have no other choice but to give that animal a last bit of respect and compassion and send them over the rainbow bridge.
She advised people to rather visit the rescue organisation and find out where the animals will be placed and be aware of what goes on in the house.
“Be aware of which vet they use and if their animals are treated by vets. Also, be aware of what the animals in their care look like, and whether they are in good condition.”
René continued to explain the situation with the animals found at the pet shops. She stated her honest opinion is that pet shops should stop selling live animals and rather stick to selling pet supplies.
“The SPCA is opposed to any form of captivity, whether it be a wild or exotic animal. An animal does not belong in a cage, whether it be a bird or a hamster. The exotic pet trade is extremely cruel and the only way to stop it is by not supporting pet shops by buying animals from them. I am not bad-mouthing pet shops in general, many people buy animal products and food or ask for advice from them, however, the exotic pet trade has to be stopped and the only way to do this is to stop supporting it. When there isn’t money involved, it would cease to exist.”
She affirmed that you can see in the condition of the animals how they are being treated.
“If a person notices an animal in a bad condition it is a red flag.”
She continued that now that it’s almost the silly season, they are in desperate need of food donations, they are getting double the amount of animals they get throughout the rest of the year and their food supply runs out fast. This includes food for farm animals as they have donkeys, pigs, chickens and of course dog and cat food.
“Thank you to Roodepoort, Carletonville, Randburg and District SPCA for their assistance. Thank you to the community as well for their support and donations, they also jump in to help when we ask. We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do if it wasn’t for your support,” she said.
