THE Queenstown Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has taken in numerous animals after what proved to have been an extremely busy festive season for the organisation.
According to SPCA committee chairperson, Adéle Coetzer, the December period is always a strenuously busy time for animal shelters, as this is typically the time when families go on holiday and leave their pets behind.
“It’s really unfortunate that pet owners can be very irresponsible at times. Our inspector was called out to cases of cruelty in the various outlying areas ranging from injured, sick and abused dogs to cases of livestock dying and not being fed,” said Coetzer.
It is of course also a traumatic period for dogs, especially on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day when the celebratory fireworks are set off.
Coetzer said that it is quite disturbing to witness the kind of disregard that people seem to have toward animals, adding that every year the SPCA constantly urges residents to be considerate towards animals.
“Discharging firecrackers near dogs is cruel, as they are very sensitive to the loud bangs. Although it is illegal to set off fireworks in residential areas, Komani residents do not adhere to this law.”
She added that every year the sale of fireworks increases with devastating consequences.
“The effect that the fireworks have on animals is immense. We had our hands full with calls about animals being frightened by firecrackers.
“They hurt themselves trying to get away from the horrendous noise and so many animals die from injuries while trying to escape.”
Commenting on the organisation’s plans for the year ahead, Coetzer said, “It’s very difficult to plan ahead if the society has no income. The SPCA has not received their subsidy from Enoch Mgijima Municipality since June last year.
“We are however looking forward to the completion of our kennels and we are also hoping to bring changes to our cattery.”
She added that a few raffles with exciting prizes will again be up for grabs in due time, followed by the Christmas market, which is always something to look forward to. “We are hoping to see more visitors to our society to come and meet our fur babies and interact with them and become more educated regarding the correct care of your pet,” Coetzer said.
Considering the huge influx of animals, the SPCA wishes to place even more emphasis on their adopting principle, urging residents to consider visiting the SPCA before shopping for a new furry friend.
“People can also assist by donating fuel, puppy, kitten and adult food, cleaning materials, HTH, ink for the printer and payments on our vet account. We are also in need of lucerne and would appreciate contributions towards our first aid kit,” said Coetzer.
“We have a debit order system in place where we urge people, and especially companies, to sign a debit order for us to help with the cash flow.”
- For more info, contact 084 409 3529 or e-mail coetzeradele@yahoo.com.
