Festive season tips for pets and pet owners
It has been noticed over the years that many people surrender over their animals either Christmas Eve or New Years Eve or move and leave their pets behind.
December and January are the most difficult months of the year for SPCAs around the country.
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Not only do they have the highest number of stray and surrendered animals enter through their doors, but also witness on a daily basis the hardship many of these animals face.
Stacey Beck, supervisor of the Lower South Coast SPCA, said the society’s officers drive thousands of kilometres during this time and deal with animals badly injured by fireworks, as well as those collected as strays or surrendered.
“It has been noticed over the years that many people surrender their animals either on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, or move and leave their pets behind.
“Our officers spend a lot of time attending to calls of stray animals running on the road. When you see a stray dog, phone us immediately and assist us in following or confining that animal if possible. A lot of time and resources are spent trying to catch a dog, and we cannot always get to the animal in time,” said Stacey.
The SPCA needs YOUR help just as much as YOU need theirs.
Here are some tips on taking the best care of your pets over the festive season:
1. If you engage a house sitter, ensure you have a contact list on your fridge with the SPCA contact numbers: 083 222 6355, 083 222 6354 or 039 312 0962, along with your private veterinarian’s name and number.
2. Make sure your pets are safe in the yard, when you come home. Phone the SPCA if anything is amiss.
3. Microchip your pet. Contact the SPCA for an affordable price, or ensure your pet has a collar with an identification disc.
4. If you are going away on holiday, inform your neighbours, and leave a contact number in case something goes wrong.
5. If you are entertaining at home on New Year’s Eve, keep your pets in a safe and secure area. Use calming medication for anxious pets. If you are out, try to board your pets in a safe facility (SPCA, Harmony Hills or Hibberdene Kennels) or have a responsible person take care of them.
WHO TO CALL AND WHY:
| Lower South Coast SPCA, Uvongo | PROTECTION SERVICES –
ANIMAL RELATED BYLAWS |
| 083 222 6355/083 222 6354/039 312 0962 | 039 682 5555 – REQUEST AN OB# |
| ANIMAL CRUELTY | VICIOUS DOGS ON A PROPERTY |
| EDUCATION | DOGS NOT BEING CONFINED TO THE PROPERTY |
| ANIMAL HUSBANDRY | EXCESSIVE BARKING DAY AND NIGHT CREATING A NOISE DISTURBANCE |
| FACILITY INSPECTIONS | DOGS ATTACKING HUMANS/OTHER ANIMALS |
| STERILISATIONS | NEIGHBOURS DOGS ENTERING YOUR PROPERTY |
| COLLECTION OF DEAD ANIMALS | |
| COLLECTION OF STRAYS ONLY IF CONFINED |
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