As reports of stray dogs and missing pets continue in the community, the Springs SPCA is urging residents to report found animals immediately rather than taking them home, saying this gives pets the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

SPCA manager Annecia le Roux told the Springs Advertiser that the organisation continues to deal with a steady number of stray animals throughout the year, with seasonal increases during holidays, severe weather and fireworks displays.

“We routinely manage a steady influx of stray animals, though seasonal spikes are common,” said le Roux.

She added that financial pressures also contribute to the problem, with some pets escaping through damaged fences and gates while others are deliberately abandoned.

Le Roux advised residents who come across a stray dog to first ensure their own safety before attempting to help.

“If the dog is friendly and approachable, secure it safely in a fenced yard or on a leash. Check whether it has a collar with contact details.

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“If it is safe to transport, take the animal to the nearest SPCA branch or veterinary clinic to be scanned for a microchip free of charge. Alternatively, contact your local SPCA immediately for collection.”

When reporting a stray animal, residents should provide the exact location, a description of the animal, its condition, the direction it was travelling if still moving, and photographs or video if they can be taken safely.

Le Roux warned that frightened or aggressive dogs should never be cornered or chased.

“Do not corner, chase or make sudden movements towards the animal, as fear can trigger a fight or flight response. Keep a safe distance and contact the SPCA immediately.”

She explained that if residents are unable to secure the dog while waiting for assistance, they should monitor it from a safe distance and alert community security groups, neighbourhood WhatsApp groups or community policing forums to help keep track of the animal until an SPCA officer arrives.

Once a stray dog is collected, the SPCA scans it for a microchip, checks it against missing pet reports and admits it to the stray kennels for the mandatory seven-day holding period, giving owners the opportunity to reclaim their pets. Animals that remain unclaimed may later be assessed for adoption.

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Le Roux said responsible pet ownership remains the best way to prevent dogs from ending up on the streets.

She encouraged owners to regularly inspect fences and gates, sterilise their pets to reduce roaming behaviour, and ensure every pet wears identification and is microchipped.

The advice comes amid reports of Yorkshire terriers going missing in the area. Le Roux said while the SPCA regularly receives reports involving small breeds such as Yorkies, Maltese poodles and Chihuahuas, owners should remain vigilant.

“High-value toy breeds are often targeted for theft or illegal resale, and because of their small size, they are also prone to slipping through tiny gate gaps.”

She recommended installing fine mesh or puppy bars on gates, avoiding leaving small dogs unsupervised in front gardens, ensuring microchip details are up to date, and being cautious of strangers asking questions about pets.

Le Roux stressed that microchipping is one of the most effective ways of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

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“A collar and tag can break off, fall off or be intentionally removed, but a microchip is a permanent form of identification that can be scanned by any SPCA or veterinarian.”

She advised owners whose pets go missing to begin searching immediately, report the animal to the SPCA, visit local shelters in person, notify nearby veterinary clinics and share information through trusted community networks.

Le Roux also reminded residents that stray animals should never be kept without first reporting them to the SPCA or taking them to a veterinarian for a microchip scan.

“Keeping a stray without reporting it prevents the rightful owners from finding their pets,” she said.

She added that under South African law and local by-laws, pet owners are responsible for keeping their animals safely contained on their properties, and keeping a stray dog without reporting it or taking it to the SPCA or a veterinarian for scanning is legally regarded as theft.

“We urge the public to work with welfare organisations so every lost animal gets a fair chance of finding its way home.”