SEDIBENG.- The Vereeniging & Vanderbijlpark SPCA is urgently appealing for public support after severe cold, heavy rain and powerful winds caused the deaths of numerous farm animals in Refengkgotso, Deneysville.

The SPCA said that following a complaint received late yesterday afternoon, its inspectors were dispatched to investigate and they arrived at a devastating scene, with dead animals throughout the affected area.

“Animals have succumbed to prolonged exposure to the cold and wet conditions. In some cases, strong winds destroyed the shelters available to them. Other animals had no access to shelter and were left completely exposed to the rain, cold and extreme wind.”

The severe weather is continuing, leaving surviving animals exposed and extremely vulnerable.

“Our entire Inspectorate team, accompanied by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), are back in the area this morning, providing emergency relief. The team has taken shade cloth and other supplies to construct temporary shelters, but considerably more assistance is needed.”

The SAPCA urgently needs:

• Shade cloth and suitable materials for temporary shelters

• Bales of hay

• Large bottles or containers of drinking water that can be transported easily

• Rain jackets for its teams

• Gumboots

• Snacks and other practical supplies for personnel working in the field 

“The welfare of the affected animals is our immediate priority. We cannot do this alone.”

• Physical donations can be delivered to the Vereeniging SPCA – 66 General Smuts Avenue, Duncanville, Vereeniging.