OVER 300 dogs and cats were surrendered at SPCA Richards Bay over the last two months as the holiday season looms and job cuts continue.
According to the animal welfare, the happy season is always a sad one for many pets in Zululand, but a wave of retrenchments in the region has aggravated the situation even further.
‘It’s sadly a time of the year where many pet owners abandon or surrender to avoid going through the additional trouble of arranging pet sitters or because they no longer have the means to have their pets cared for,’ says SPCA Richards Bay Chairman Denis Botha.
‘With so many people facing retrenchments this year, we have definitely seen a rise in figures for animals handed over to us.
‘And unfortunately, we expect it to get even worse over December.’
Botha urges local pet owners to consider boarding their animals instead of giving them up before leaving on holiday.
‘We have boarding facilities at reasonable cost to the pet owners.
‘They are fed good quality food and dogs are taken for walks on a daily basis.
‘Their kennels are also cleaned regularly and owners can bring their animals’ favourite blankets and toys to stay with them,’ Botha said.
Both SPCA Richards Bay and Empangeni relies on the public to support them with pet food with the influx of animals being surrendered throughout this season.
Its really sad but when u take into consideration that the owners can’t take care of the place it is best to get someone who is in a financial position to do so. Animals are like children they need a lot of attention and care. All I can say is thank goodness for the people at the SPCA for a job well done!
I’ve tried for two years two get a pet from the Empangeni SPCA, each time I am told that I, and my property must first be evaluated to see if we are suitable. Till date I am still awaiting the evaluation. Maybe I should visit Richards Bay SPCA.