The Polokwane SPCA advises pet owners to act responsibly
Many pets run away when they get frightened of the fireworks that are synonymous with the festive season for some residents.
POLOKWANE – Although fireworks are beautiful to look at, the sound it makes has severe negative impact on your pets.
Dogs, cats, birds, fish and even cattle and sheep suffer under what humans see as entertainment.
The SPCA Polokwane urges readers to keep their animals safe over the festive season, especially from fireworks.
“Animals should be locked inside a room with music to lessen the sound of fireworks in your area. Even behind a closed gate, terrified animals manage to escape. Many of them get run over, die of fear or get lost,” SPCA manager Selma Landman says.
She mentions that all animals are frightened by fireworks.
“It is a criminal offence to set off fireworks in a public place and we want to plead with the public to say no to fireworks. Think of the effect it has on animals.”
Landman says it is surprising that, with the current economic situation, people can still afford fireworks.
In stead of purchasing fireworks, rather make a donation to the SPCA.
Many animals are abandoned over the festive time.
The community are the SPCA’s eyes and ears and any cruelty should be reported to the inspectors on 082 804 0065.
“If you do not want your pet anymore, rather make a responsible decision and surrender the animal to the SPCA.”
A pet as a gift might sound great but many of those end up at the SPCA since the receiver does not want an animal or cannot keep it.
An animal is a life-long commitment, so be a responsible pet owner.
“We do not have enough kennels to accommodate animals for boarding periods. When you decide on someone to look after your animals while you are away from home, make sure this person have contact numbers of the SPCA and the veterinarian. If anything happens to the animal, it must be reported immediately. Often an animal may get out of the property, and the pet-sitter may want to try and find the animal himself, without upsetting the owners, but the sooner a lost pet is reported, the better the chance of finding it again.”
Landman says many animals are surrendered as unwanted, but soon afterwards the family will get a new puppy.
Since animals are sentient beings, it is unfair and sad to an animal being surrendered.
For most Christmas is the best time of the year, but at the SPCA it is the worst.
“We want your unwanted pets. Do not give them away, abandon them, or drive out of town and drop them. Abandoning an animal in any way is a contravention of the Animal Protection Act no 71 of 1962.”
