Don’t shop – adopt, says SPCA
Adopting animals is far better than shopping as only friendly dogs are out up for adoption and the animals are fully vaccinated and sterilised before the new owner takes them home.
STRAY cats are a common sight in Scottburgh, particularly in Scott Street.
Several months ago, a Scottburgh resident came across a glaring of cats near her residence.
“I could not turn a blind eye because they have no one,” she said.
ALSO READ : How the SPCA can help you and your animals
She is currently taking care of a few adult cats and four kittens.
Two of the cats are mothers and need to be spayed to prevent a population explosion.
If you are able to help catch these cats or provide a cat trap to take them to the SPCA where they have a chance at finding a new home, contact the Mail.
On the subject of animal welfare, the Mail spoke to Michelle Hannan from Amanzimtoti SPCA who had some interesting information to share:
“The SPCA helps to find forever homes for animals in our care. We vaccinate the animals before putting them up for adoption, do pre-home checks and sterilise them when they are adopted,” she said.
“When it comes to sterilising cats that aren’t adopted through the SPCA we use a private vet.
“SPCAs are not meant to be a cheaper alternative to a vet as we are primarily an organisation to help with cruelty reports.
“We have to abide by the veterinary council rules and assist only those who meet our criteria. We cannot take work away from private vets.”
She added that those wanting to know more about the criteria could call 031-9042424.
“Unfortunately we do not have cheaper sterilisation rates because an animal is a stray. When you take on a pet you take on the financial burden of that animal which includes vaccinations, sterilisation, good food and veterinary treatment when needed.”
There are currently no local organisations offering free sterilisations, although some have reduced fees.
“The SPCA is a NPO and does not receive funding from the government,” added Michelle.
Should you come across a stray animal in need of a good home, you may drop it off at the Amanzimtoti SPCA.
This branch of the SPCA covers a large area and has only two vehicles. Therefore, you are encouraged to take the animals to them as they cannot always come to you.
“We cannot refuse to take an animal and promise to do our best to home as many as we can, but unfortunately there just aren’t enough good homes out there,” said Michelle.
She added that when you sterilise an animal, it stops the heat cycle in female cats and dogs; helps them live a longer and healthier life; prevents testicular cancer and prostate disease in male pets; prevents pyometra (infection of the uterus) and mammary tumours (breast cancer) in female animals; decreases aggression towards humans and other animals; they become less prone to wander, especially in male pets and it also it prevents male dogs in particular from being stolen for dog fighting, breeding, illegal hunting or guard dogs.
“Adopting animals is far better than shopping as we only put friendly dogs up for adoption and the animals are fully vaccinated and sterilised before the new owner takes them home,” said Michelle.
“And the adoption fees are far cheaper than sterilising and vaccinating a dog through a vet.”
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