Help the SPCA to feed pets in need

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GEORGE NEWS - The lockdown has not only severely affected the people of the Garden Route, but pets as well. With many retrenchments and pay cuts, domestic animals are getting the short end of the stick.

As at Monday this week the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) has been able to assist and feed approximately 800 extra dogs and cats in townships, the CBD and rural areas in and around George.

"We could not do this without our loyal supporters and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts," said GRSPCA manager, Salomé Bruyns.

"We however have to try and feed these animals in need until at least a month after lockdown is over, as their owners will have to wait for salaries."

Last week the SPCA and their volunteers tended to cats and dogs in Thembalethu, Protea Park, Hansmoeskraal, New Dawn Park, Blanco, Conville and Rosemoor. "We haven't been able to hand out food to all the needy animals in each area, but we're handing out what we have. We've also received requests for food from homes in the CBD and our team also visited Dysselsdorp near Oudtshoorn," said Bruyns.

Rita Brock and Coriza Vermeulen, of Cat Garden Route, and their volunteers are assisting the SPCA in Wilderness, Hoekwil and Kleinkrantz.

"Rita and her team also use food donated at Wilderness Spar to hand out in the area," said Bruyns.

Mossel Bay

It is business as usual at the Mossel Bay branch of the Garden Route SPCA, says board chairman Bruno MacDonald.

Despite the lockdown, animal lovers can rest assured that all the animals at the SPCA are being cared for by animal carers that live on site.

Inspectors are among essential services staff and are therefore available to attend to calls in the community.

Veterinarians throughout the country have also been deemed part of essential services and are open to treat animals, so all the medical needs of animals in the SPCA shelter are being taken care of.

There has, however, been one major problem caused by the lockdown and that is loss of income. The SPCA has had to suspend all adoptions, which is a major source of income for the organisation because of the adoption fee that must be paid when someone adopts a pet.

MacDonald says the SPCA is not currently experiencing any shortages of necessities such as food because it was well supported with donations prior to the lockdown.

Where to donate

Dog and cat food donations can be made at the George SPCA branch in Ozzie Urban Road in the George industrial area, Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 08:00 to 11:00. Food can also be put in the designated shopping trolleys at Spar Wilderness and Spar Wellington Street. For more information, the GRSPCA can be contacted on 044 878 1990. The Mossel Bay branch is situated at 18 Bill Jeffery Street, Boplaas. The number is 044 693 0824.

Photo gallery: Hungry animals provided for

This boy was patiently waiting for his food when the SPCA volunteers arrived.