In total 13 strays were admitted last night to the Durban & Coast SPCA. These were predominantly cross breeds, however there was a thoroughbred Chow, a Maltese, a GSD and a Maltese. There is also a Staffordshire Terrier but, as the dog has a microchip, the SPCA should be able to trace the owners. This was the only dog admitted with any form of identification.
“This is extremely disappointing. Surely an inexpensive, simple measure like an ID tag on a collar cannot be too much trouble for owners to arrange? This would make our jobs so much easier. I am making an appeal to owners who are missing pets to physically visit our premises today to identify their pet and take them home where they belong,” said Caroline Smith Marketing Manager, Durban & Coast SPCA.
She continued: “Each of the dogs brought in were extremely stressed and some were absolutely terrified. There was a lot of firework activity in Springfield Park surrounding our kennels so all animals sheltered were medicated with a veterinary sedative. It is encouraging that during this firework activity we have sold a total of 8 750 sedative tablets to the public, so responsible pet owners are making the necessary preparations for their pets.”
Smith said phone calls had been pouring into the switchboard this morning regarding stranded and lost pets. Forty dogs were brought in to the SPCA earlier in the week week – and remain unclaimed by owners.
“Last night inspectors were called to Duffs Road by a member of the public who witnessed a dog dashing frantically in and out of traffic and being hit by a truck,” said Smith. “Inspector Dougie du Plessis arrived at the scene and was saddened by the condition of this beautiful animal, a pedigree German Shepherd Dog, who sadly had to be humanely euthanased immediately upon admission owing to the severity of his injuries.”
1 Comment
I think that cultural tradition is essential, but all the research I have done regarding the festival I have found no historical link to noisy fireworks. I live in La Lucia, Durban North and our evening “of light” was more like an extreme war zone. It would seem that neighbours are in competition to see who has the most and noisiest fireworks. Some of these explosions registered at over 100db – and that’s more than 30m away. These levels of noise are extreme and surpass annoying. I am also sure that these sound levels are illegal. I believe in tolerance but I also believe in being considerate to others. I am sure that antagonising others is not the spirit of the festival.