THE Durban and Coast SPCA has seen quite an uphill battle during the busy festive season, as 400 stray and unwanted cats, kittens, puppies, and dogs have come into their shelter between December 24, 2024, and January 3, 2025.

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The SPCA’s marketing manager, Tanya Fleischer, says only 10 of these animals have so far been reclaimed by their owners. “The others are still waiting for their families to come forward or are in search of new, caring homes,” she said.

In addition to giving these animals a shelter, the SPCA received 33 reports of lost pets over the festive period. “If you have lost your pet, please visit us to check if your pet is here or call the kennels department during office hours, Monday to Fridays from 08:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 12:30, to complete a lost pet report on 031 579 6524/6,” said Fleischer.

Fleischer said microchipping is the surest way to be reunited with lost pets, and the SPCA does offer microchipping. She also spoke to the demanding caseload handled by their inspectorate in December, which includes over 200 call-outs about stray and unwanted animals, plus another 1 800 calls involving rescues, complaint investigations, follow-ups, proactive checks and pre-home inspections.

Fleischer was pleased to say that no fireworks injuries were treated over the New Year period.

Process of adoption

Those wishing to adopt need to visit the SPCA to choose a pet that would suit their family, taking into consideration the size of the property, how many and what type of pets were already on the property and the ages of people in the household.

A pre-home inspection will ensure that the selected pet fits into your environment. It entails a fee of R100, refundable upon adoption. The adoption fee includes sterilising, health check vaccination, microchipping and ID disc and a collar, making sure your new pet is ready for the world.

Fleischer appealed to the community to help give these animals a second chance in life for a caring home. For more information, pet owners are welcome to contact the kennels department at 031 579 6524/6 during office hours.

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