A FIVE hour rescue operation by the Richards Bay SPCA, community and police yielded a happy ending for a bull calf who was found trapped at Five Mile Beach in Meerensee recently.
According to Richards Bay SPCA Trainee Inspector Wynand Strauss, the dehydrated and weak animal had been tied to a rock and was in danger of becoming caught up in the rising tide.
With the help of a vehicle from Midnite Electrical Services it took a rescue team three hours to haul the animal up the sand dune to safety.
As the owner could not be located, the calf was taken to the SPCA.
‘After 30 minutes of receiving fluids he regained his strength and began walking around.
‘The young animal was monitored over the weekend and eventually taken to the Nseleni Pound on Wednesday.
‘We are extremely grateful to the team of staff, volunteers and community members who assisted, especially Pieter Terblanche for allowing us the use of his vehicle in the rescue operation and for transporting the animal to the SPCA,’ said Strauss.
Abandoned puppies
In another rescue operation, the SPCA responded to a call at the rail line leading to Richards Bay Coal Terminal last Wednesday night to retrieve four abandoned puppies from some rail wagons.
Before the rescue could be attempted the wagons had to be moved to a safer area because of the high voltage overhead wires above them.
Strauss said the greyhound cross puppies were located in different wagons and were in a weak, dehydrated and traumatised state.
‘We believe these unwanted pups could have been thrown from a bridge or overhead walkway into the moving wagons.
‘This is such a cruel and unnecessary way to abandon animals. If people do not want their pets they can drop them off at the SPCA and we can help find them new homes,’ said Strauss.
‘Ask family or friends if they would like the animals rather than exposing them to such traumatic experiences.
‘The puppies are in good health and are up for adoption. Anyone looking for a pet can contact our office on 035 7532086.
