The SPCA movement asks the public to be its eyes and ears in the approach to and during the festive season.<\/p>\n
If you encounter any situation involving an animal that concerns you report it quickly and directly.<\/p>
\u201cThere is a trend for people to send an email or to take a photograph and place it on Facebook,\u201d said NSPCA PRO Christine Kuch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis delays response.<\/p>
\u201cPlease carry the number of your local SPCA on your cellphone and contact them immediately with as much information as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if this is not the \u2018correct\u2019 SPCA, they can forward details quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n
An appeal is made to be mindful of the welfare of all animals and not to fear coming forward with information.<\/p>\n
\u201cPets \u2013 especially exotic animals \u2013 are unsuitable as surprise gifts.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease do not go this route.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor full details of the rationale, local SPCAs or the NSPCA may be contacted,\u201d Kuch said.<\/p>\n
As with so many issues, animal welfare starts at home.<\/p>\n
Ensuring that your own animals have been vaccinated up to date, including against rabies, is the first step.<\/p>\n
Make sure that each animal has identification — microchip identification is the best.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether you are going away or staying at home, make plans and have back-up plans in case of accident, illness or any other emergency that may arise.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrganise a caring person to be on standby to assist with animals if needs be.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe contact details of your veterinarian and the local SPCA need to be with him or her,\u201d Kuch said.<\/p>\n
Be caring and cautious with regard to festivities.<\/p>\n
Ensure that pets cannot reach food or treats, especially chocolate, which can be toxic to dogs.<\/p>\n
Party items or decorations can be mistaken for toys and accidents could occur.<\/p>\n
The best advice is to give animals either a room of their own during festivities or to make sure that they have a space to hide away from the hubbub.<\/p>\n
It is not only fireworks that terrify pets.<\/p>\n
So-called \u201cpoppers\u201d can also startle them and bursting balloons can cause panic.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe aware, show you care and be mindful of animals at all times,\u201d said Kuch.<\/p>\n
\u201cA reminder that the SPCA is an animal welfare organisation, not a veterinary service.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your animal needs veterinary treatment, a vaccination, etc., then please contact your private veterinarian.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you wish to report an animal being cruelly treated, neglected, abused or abandoned, contact your local SPCA.\u201d<\/p>\n
Details of all SPCAs can be found on www.nspca.co.za.<\/p>\n
The Germiston SPCA can be contacted on 011 825-5033.<\/p>\n