The current extreme cold weather poses health risks for the animals at the Kariega SPCA, and the shelter is calling for the community’s assistance during this year’s winter season.
“During winter, the animals at the shelter must be kept in warm conditions. This is possible only by having an ample amount of resources, such as blankets,” says Deirdré Swift, the district chairperson of the SPCA Kariega (Uitenhage).
The shelter makes use of Stormy blankets, an inexpensive type of blanket that can be purchased at retailers such as PEP.
“We have a lot of Stormy blankets for smaller dogs and cats. We struggle terribly with the large and medium-sized dogs,” Swift said.
“When it rains, we struggle to keep the blankets dry, so our stock for large blankets is very low now. We would be so grateful if people would donate these blankets to us.”
“One blanket is not enough, as it tends to get a bit colder in winter. We like to give the animals an extra blanket, so they can be a little bit warmer.”
Washing powder and food
Additionally, Swift appeals to people to donate automatic washing powder and donations of dog and cat food.
“The animals do require a bit more food in the winter, and we are always in need of dry dog food pellets and kitten pellets.”
She explained that they have many kittens and that they eat a specific food, which is the Catmor Kitten pellets.
“We try to stick to one brand because it affects their stomachs if we feed them different brands of pellets,” she added.
Swift stated that the Kariega SPCA is in serious trouble financially and that their resources are extremely limited.
Swift urged people to visit their website www.uitenhagespca.co.za to see the various ways in which they can financially assist the Kariega SPCA.
Sterilisation and vaccination
Additionally, Swift pleaded with all pet owners to sterilise their pets and inoculate them against rabies.
“This brings down the number of animals out there. And in the quest for female dogs, the [male] dogs end up as stray animals and are taken to the SPCA.
She appealed to people to report when their animals are missing, because when strays are picked up they are brought to the SPCA, which is the municipal pound.
“We end up with a lot of unclaimed animals and we need to take care of them.”
She then highlighted that rabies “is here to stay”, and that pet owners should practise due diligence as it is “against the law not to have your animal inoculated against rabies.”
