January 5, 2006
By Sipho Maduna
FOR many of Joburg's animals the end-of-year holidays have not been particularly festive. The SPCA has reported an increase in the number of stray cats and dogs.
One of the main causes for pet to run away from home was the setting off of fireworks over the festive period, according to representatives of the animal welfare body.
During December, the Johannesburg branch of the SPCA admitted 486 dogs and puppies and 281 cats and kittens into their shelters.
Of the 486 dogs, 314 were strays. So far, only 43 had been reclaimed, according to the branch's public relations manager, Allison Cooper.
Of the 281 cats admitted to the shelters, 148 were strays and 29 were feral. The remaining 104 were donated to the SPCA. One cat has been returned to its owners.
Cooper says the figures continue to rise every year. In December 2004 the Johannesburg branch of the SPCA took in 229 stray dogs and puppies and 147 stray cats and kittens and 53 feral cats.
The Midrand branch had much the same to report. Some 225 dogs, 118 cats, 10 birds, one hamster, one tortoise and red owl were taken into shelter during December.
Most of the animals ran away from their homes in fear of fireworks, according to the manager and senior inspector of the Midrand SPCA, Annelise Jungmann. Many of these animals were so frightened they could not even swallow, she added.
Many animals fled the loud bangs of fireworks set off over Christmas and New Year and, according to Cooper, only the lucky ones ended up in an animal shelter.
The SPCA urges pet owners to check with their nearest branch, or check with their local vet, if their pets go missing. It also suggests that pets be micro-chipped or wear a collar and identity tag to help track their owners.
And, as the result of the festive season, the SPCA has many animals for adoption.
For more information contact the Johannesburg SPCA on 011 681 3600 or email jspca@icon.co.za.
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