South Africans are asked to be sensitive, compassionate and to exert kindness throughout the festive season with regard to animals — all animals.<\/p>\n
One focus at this time of year is the role of food in celebrations.<\/p>
Consumers are asked to be responsible and to be aware of production methods, so that their choices are informed and compassionate, generating demand and growth for humanely produced foods.<\/p>\n
The excessive heat and the drought continue and affect animals.<\/p>
The NSPCA asks that reports of suffering are submitted timeously.<\/p>\n
This relates not only to animals on farms, but to working animals, including so-called guard dogs who may be suffering on duty in adverse weather conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompassion comes in all forms and we ask for consideration towards all creatures and the promotion of responsible behaviour,” said Christine Kuch, from the NSPCA.<\/p>\n
\u201cChoose activities that do not exploit animals in any way.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if an animal may not be harmed, we ask people to consider if petting lion cubs is ethical and to look at the bigger picture.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just one example.\u201d<\/p>\n
Above all, South Africans are asked to leave animals out of any festivities or promotions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is of grave concern that a competition has come to light with a live sheep as a prize,” Kuch said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver and above the welfare concerns are the moral issues and what this demonstrates regarding the \u2018value\u2019 of animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are not commodities and this includes the age-old appeal not to give live animals as gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The National Council of SPCAs and the SPCA movement operate throughout the festive season.<\/p>\n
It is the time of year when resources are stretched.<\/p>\n
Staff continue to undertake routine duties of response to information involving alleged cruelty, neglect or abuse of animals, matters which escalate at this time.<\/p>\n
There is response to emergencies and also ensuring that there is provision of care to all animals.<\/p>\n
This includes animals in \u201ccaptive facilities\u201d, including laboratories.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease ensure that any animals you may have are given the best of care,” Kuch said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake sure their vaccinations are up to date, which is a condition of reputable boarding facilities, as well as a basic precaution to ensure the animal\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is essential that their every need is catered for, whether you are with them or away during this period.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso include a back-up plan in case of injury, illness or any other unforeseen eventuality.\u201d<\/p>\n
The public is urged to take a responsible route when adopting animals.<\/p>\n
This is where warnings are issued, especially regarding online purchasing of pets.<\/p>\n
So many are advertised and so many problems arise, not only in welfare terms but also documented cases of scams.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffering to meet someone in a car park to hand over an animal ought to send out warning signals,” Kuch added.<\/p>\n
\u201cFar too often, people approach the NSPCA for assistance, having paid up front or given cash without a receipt, only to find the animal is in extremely poor health and they are unable to trace the seller.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recommend microchip identification as the ideal gift if an animal does not already have this form of permanent tamper-proof identification which is also proof of ownership.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carry the number of your local SPCA with you on your cellphone.<\/p>\n
Even if this is not the appropriate SPCA, they can forward the information quickly.<\/p>\n
Above all, please report concerns regarding abused, neglected or cruelly treated animals by phone.<\/p>\n
Every SPCA has an all-hours emergency number.<\/p>\n
Emails and Facebook cannot be monitored around the clock and time lost in terms of response means that an animal has suffered.<\/p>\n
The identity of an informant is always kept confidential.<\/p>\n
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