LOCKDOWN BLOG – Pets are the first to suffer during an economic crisis – Day 24
Sadly, the difficult economy is testing the emotional bond between people and their pets. If you can afford to donate a bag of dog food or a tin or two it will help a family feed their pets during this trying time.
No work means no pay for many South Africans.
ALSO READ: LOCKDOWN BLOG: 26 things I have learnt so far from Covid-19 – Day 23
The extension of a further 14 days has brought financial stress to many households, who are already barely managing to put food on the table, let alone feed their animals.
Sadly, the economy is certainly testing the emotional bond between people and their pets.
The Covid-19 lockdown caught thousands of working people off-guard, and put many at risk of losing their jobs.
Today, my thoughts are with the small business owner, the subsistence fishermen, domestic workers or those young men who rely on collecting empty cooldrink cans to earn a couple of rands.
It was brought to my attention yesterday that families receiving food parcels, are DESPERATE for food to feed their pets.
Pets are always the first to suffer in an economic crisis, and already shelters around the country are seeing an increase of pets, even small breeds, being surrendered.
I’m appealing to everyone who can, to donate just a bag or a tin or two to your local shelter, or adopt a family in your neighbourhood who is struggling during this lockdown.
The woman behind helping the pets in need during lockdown is Dalene Erasmus, please contact her at 063 404 4382.
Alternatively, you can put food in the Lower South Coast SPCA trolleys and mark it ‘Çovid-19 food for pets’.
Let’s rally as a community help not only each other, but those without a voice.
Animal organisations that need help during this difficult period:
* Harmony Hill Rescue Haven in Sea Park has many dog and cat rescues and is desperately in need of food. Contact Penny Taylor at 082 719 0838 or Renate Haussmann at 083 443 0432.
* Lower South Coast SPCA is still in urgent need of dog and cat food. They also have horses and donkeys to feed. To keep their animals healthy please place your donation in the SPCA food bins at the Hibiscus Mall (will be emptied daily), Ramsgate Spar, Pick n Pay Shelly Beach and Pick n Pay Port Shepstone. No matter how small your donation, every bit helps. Contact Mike Davies at 060 502 0427 or Dalene.
* Trudie Roets is responsible for feeding about 200 feral cats and rescues from Uvongo to Shelly Beach. She is also responsible for ensuring the animal ‘foster mothers’ have access to milk and medicine. If you can help contact her at 082 561 2036.
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