JSPCA: Crush empty food tins before throwing them away
"A painful death would have awaited her if a good Samaritan who passed her did not stop and call us." - Liana Marx, public relations, marketing and fundraising for JSPCA.
Johannesburg SPCA inspectors attended to a call for a cat who had her head caught in an empty fish tin.
The sheer fear of being trapped must have been a terrible experience and if the SPCA was not called, the cat would have suffered and died.
Tina, as she was named by JSPCA staff, was exceptionally stressed but once the team managed to remove the tin she settled down.
“But just imagine the stress the poor animal went through as she tried effortlessly to remove the tin from her head. The smell of fish that lured her there could have caused her, her life.
“A painful death would have awaited her if a good Samaritan who passed her did not stop and call us. She is currently looking for a loving home and surely deserves one after going through this incredibly stressful ordeal,” said Liana Marx, public relations, marketing and fundraising for JSPCA.
You can phone the kennels on 011 681 3600 for more information about Tina and if you wish to give her a forever home.
How littering kills animals
“No animal should ever have to suffer, yet everyday we throw trash in dustbins, some throw tins and plastic bags out of their vehicles – we never really stop to think if an animal may be harmed by any of our trash,” explained Marx.
Hungry animals desperate for even just a few crumbs often get their heads stuck in discarded cans, cups, and jars.
You can help by always rinsing out containers and placing the lids back. Metal cans must be crushed before you dispose of them.
Animals can choke on pieces of plastic bottles and bags.
When you go shopping, choose paper bags or take your own reusable bags whenever possible.
“Please don’t ever litter. Animals of all kinds often mistake trash for food or shelter. “Securely cover garbage cans and recycle bins so that animals cannot get into them and become trapped inside. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for other people’s trash, too. Your actions could be the difference between life and death for an animal,” Marx said.
If you ever come across any animal in distress, please contact JSPCA immediately on 011 681 3600 or 083 604 1172.
