January 5, 2005
By Barry Hiles
BRANCHES of the SPCA around Johannesburg have described the past few weeks - the end of year holiday period that sees many people travel out of the city - as "horrific" and the busiest they have ever experienced.
All branches are reporting that their kennels are full, with three or four dogs to a kennel.
"Our phones have not stopped ringing with calls from the community trying to find their animals that ran away over the weekend," said Dave Woodward, Johannesburg SPCA kennels supervisor.
This follows the weekend New Year celebrations, often with loud parties that include fireworks.
The animal protection society has blamed fireworks for most of the cases of animals fleeing residences.
In addition, many pets were either abandoned by families going away on holiday or were left with inadequate care.
"Community members should hang their heads in shame after all the trauma they have caused this festive season," said Woodward.
The Johannesburg branch of the SPCA took in more than 50 dogs and 20 cats over the New Year's weekend alone. This is in addition to the 242 stray dogs and puppies and 37 cats collected during December - more than twice the number for December 2003.
By Monday, January 3, only 27 animals had been reclaimed.
A similar picture emerged from all the branches in the greater Johannesburg area. Mandy Cattanach of the Sandton branch said they took in 42 dogs on Monday alone, and logged 50 lost dog reports.
The Randburg branch took in 36 dogs over the New Year weekend and a further 56 on Monday. Jean Hamilton-Jones described the day as the most "hectic" she has experienced in 40 years.
Most branches hoped pet owners would claim their pets as the holiday period draws to a close.
Annelise Jungmann from the Midrand SPCA has advised owners of missing pets to call their nearest SPCA or local vet.
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