ANIMALS DESERVE OUR RESPECT AND PROTECTION
In South Africa animals – including wild animals, farm animals, those used for medical research and entertainment, reptiles and birds in captivity – are protected by law against cruelty and negligence.
However, many still suffer as a result of human apathy, ignorance, greed and disregard.
Below are some of the major issues of concern, and what we can all do to make this a kinder world for all living creatures.
The SPCA MOVEMENT'S STANCE ON:
Exotic Pets
The SPCA is opposed to wild birds and animals such as snakes, lizards, monkeys, hedgehogs, etc being kept or bred as pets.
Confining these animals in cages, usually without access to others of their kind, is cruel.
Captive animals often die young, as a result of being fed an incorrect diet or kept in an unsuitable habitat. There’s also the risk of an exotic pet escaping and putting local ecosystems and species at risk, by competing for food or spreading disease.
Dog chaining
Despite the fact that it is illegal to confine a dog permanently by chaining, the practice is rife in Durban. Many unfortunate dogs spend their entire existence at the end of a chain, usually fastened directly around the neck.
Being chained denies a dog natural behaviour such as running, playing and exploring. It also has damaging psychological effects that can lead to aggression. In many cases, chaining is accompanied by other forms of cruelty, for example denying food and water, shelter and veterinary treatment.
Our Inspectors regularly discover emaciated, mange-ridden and sometimes dead or dying dogs at the end of a chain.
Neck injuries that have become necrotic (rotten) and riddled with maggots are also common. Sometimes a chain is put around a young pup’s neck and not adjusted as the dog grows; it literally grows into the neck.
Poultry Farming
The poultry industry is one of the most cruel intensive farming industries.
Every year, millions of day old male chicks are tossed into trash bags to suffocate or thrown into macerators which literally shred them alive. For the female chicks that escape this end, life is even worse.
The majority of those destined to produce our eggs end up as ‘battery’ hens – squashed together in cages with the space per bird equivalent to the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
Despite what you might believe, chickens are highly intelligent and social birds and this unnatural environment causes great distress. They are unable to stretch their wings, forage, preen or dust-bathe and they never see the sun.
Over-crowding can make them aggressive towards each other and they are often de-beaked (removing a third of the bird’s beak with a red-hot blade) to prevent injuries.
Broiler chickens (those farmed for their meat) are crammed into huge windowless sheds and pumped full of hormones to make them grow unnaturally quickly, so they can be slaughtered at 42 days. By that time, most are so obese that they can no longer walk.
The intense confinement and overcrowding on factory farms results in unimaginable filth and disease. The chickens are forced to breathe ammonia and dust from feces and feathers all day long. Many suffer from chronic respiratory diseases or “ammonia burn,” a painful eye condition.
The SPCA opposes this type of factory farming and urges members of the public to help create change by buying only free-range or barn eggs and chickens. Free-range hens have access to sunlight and grass pastures. Barn hens live inside but are not kept in cages. They have space to move around, including raised perches.
FERAL CATS
It’s easy to confuse a feral cat with a stray cat. But, whereas stray cats can be rehomed, feral or free-roaming cats may never adapt to living as pets in close contact with people.
These animals typically live in a colony – a group of related cats – in a specific territory where food and shelter are available. Since feral cats typically avoid people, you may not even realise that they are living nearby.
These animals’ lives aren’t easy without human caretakers. Females may become pregnant as young as five months of age and may have two to three litters a year. More than half of the kittens are likely to die without human intervention.
Males who roam and fight to find mates and defend their territories may be injured and bites and scratches may become infected. Feral cats may cause a disturbance as a result of fighting and mating behavior, and be responsible for strong foul odours, flea infestations and the transmission of disease.
The SPCA endorses Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), a strategy for improving the health and quality of life of feral cats and reducing their numbers.
Feral cats who are TNRed are spayed or neutered so they can no longer reproduce, vaccinated against diseases, and surgically ear-tipped on one ear. They are then released back into their area. Dedicated caretakers feed and provide shelter for the cats and monitor them for sickness.
For more information on how to help feral cats, or to get help with feral cats, contact our Inspectorate on 031 579 6501 or email info@spcadbn.org.za
Laboratory Animals
Justification for animal testing and the results obtained are highly questionable – from both a scientific and ethical perspective.
But, as much as we would like to believe that animal research should end, it’s unlikely to become an immediate reality.
Until then, the role of the SPCA is to minimise and alleviate the suffering of laboratory animals.
You can help by refusing to buy products that are tested on animals, or which contain animal substances. Look for the Beauty without Cruelty logo on toiletries, skin care and make up products.
Canned hunting
In South Africa, hunting of wild animals is deeply entrenched and plays a useful role in conservation – ensuring that populations of various species are kept at sustainable levels, and providing funding for critical conservation projects.
However, the much publicised death of Cecil the lion at the hands of a trophy hunter has highlighted the growing ‘sport’ of canned hunting.
Irrespective of the species hunted, this practice is regarded as unethical and the NSPCA requested Government to ban canned hunting in all its forms, as well as the breeding of any large predators for any other reason than bona fide conservation projects.
It was further proposed that any form of hunting that does not involve a free-living and self sustaining animal with a fair chase and chance of escape should be considered canned.
Dog fighting
Although organised dog fighting is illegal in South Africa, there is a thriving underground movement – ranging from impromptu events in back alleys to carefully planned and organised fights with millions of rands riding on the outcome.
The SPCA is totally opposed to this cruel ‘sport’ where dogs used for fighting and as ‘bait’ suffer horrific injuries and death.
Watching or participating in dog fighting events also has a disturbing dehumanising effect; children exposed to this vicious ‘sport’ may have a tendency to ill treat animals and people.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How long does the Durban & Coast SPCA keep stray animals?
Healthy animals are sheltered in the stray section for a 7 day period, during which time the rightful owner has the opportunity to claim their pet.
If the pet has not been claimed after this period, it will be transferred to the adoption section, where it may remain for weeks or even months. This will depend on the animal’s age, personality and the amount of space available.
Can the Durban & Coast SPCA help with the problem of barking dogs?
This falls outside of our mandate, which is to prevent animal cruelty.
Dogs that cause a nuisance or disturbance by barking or roaming should be reported to Metro Police, as it is against municipal by-laws. Contact 031 361-0000.
Why does the Durban & Coast SPCA not catch dogs on freeways?
This is the jurisdiction of Metro Police, who should be contacted on 031 361-0000.
It is imperative that Metro Police are present as traffic usually has to be redirected. The SPCA will assist where possible.
Can you help with feral cats?
Traps can be hired from the Durban & Coast SPCA. Contact us on 031 579-6505 for more information.
Cats and kittens may be brought to us for possible re-homing or to be sterilised and returned to the area in which they were found.
What is sterilisation?
Sterilisation refers to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs – the ovaries and uterus in the female (called spaying) and the testicles in the male (called neutering). These procedures are performed at around six months of age.
Can I get this done at the SPCA rather than using a private vet?
All clinic services are only avaiable to pet owners who cannot afford the cost of private veterinary care.
Unemployed people and old age pensioners automatically qualify. Employed pet owners are asked to complete an income declaration form in order to determine if they qualify for this serivce.
Contact the Animal Hospital to see if you qualify: 031 579-6547.
How much do you charge to spay or neuter a dog or cat?
You need to qualify to use the services of the Durban & Coast SPCA Animal Hospital (see below).
Current costs to spay (female) or neuter (male) pets are:
- Dog spay: R770
- Dog neuter: R530
- Cat spay: R560;
- Cat neuter: R420
Please check with us as these prices are subject to change.
Isn't it unfair to sterilise my pet?
Not at all. Your pet is likely to be more relaxed, easier to train and less aggressive if it is not being driven by the strong urge to find a mate.
Sterilisation also eliminates or reduces sexually-related behaviour such as spraying urine to mark their territory, straying to seek sexual partners, fighting and howling.
There are also long-term health benefits for sterilised animals. Spayed females have a far lower incidence of mammary cancer, and pyometra (a serious, even life-threatening infection of the uterus) and ovarian cancers are completely eliminated. Testicular cancer in males is also eliminated.
If all this is not enough to make you take your pet straight to the vet for sterilisation, consider this: In just 6 years, one female and her offspring can produce 67 000 dogs – only a quarter of which will find permanent loving homes. The rest are euthanased.
I've heard that dogs should have one litter before being spayed
There is no valid reason, medical or other, for doing so.
If you allow your pet to have a litter, you may not be able to find homes for all the puppies or kittens. Even if you find homes for them, you have no way of knowing if they will be sterilised. You could be responsible for adding to the pet overpopulation problem.
Every year, the SPCA is forced to euthanise hundreds of healthy dogs and cats because there simply are not enough homes for them.
More good reasons to have all pets sterilised.
Won't my dog or cat get fat after spaying?
Only too much food combined with too little exercise will make your pet fat.
Remember most pets are sterilised near the end of their period of rapid growth when food intake needs are levelling off. If dogs are fed as though they are pups, they will probably get fat regardless of whether they are spayed or neutered.
What vaccinations should my puppy or kitten get and at what age?
Both puppies and kittens should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age.
Pups need rabies, distemper, measles and a canine parvo virus vaccine. This provides temporary immunity and the pup should be vaccinated again 3 weeks later against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, canine parvo virus and leptospirosis and thereafter every year.
Kittens should have a simultaneous vaccination against snuffles, rabies and cat ‘flu at 6 weeks. These vaccinations require a booster 3 weeks later and should be repeated on an annual basis.
What should I fee my dog or cat?
Dogs and cats need a well-balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Most commercial pet foods – both canned and dry – contain all the nutrients necessary for your pet’s well-being. Dry foods also help to keep the teeth clean.
The amount your dog needs varies according to size, breed, age, and level of activity – check the packaging for the manufacturer’s recommendations. If in doubt, please consult your vet.
Puppies and kittens particularly need careful feeding up until the age of about seven months. Cats can be very fussy eaters, so it’s a good idea to establish a regular feeding area and provide them with clean bowls and water. An occasional special treat like a chew is very good for keeping your pet’s gums and teeth healthy.
I heard you shouldn't give a dog chocolate – is this true?
Dogs like the taste of chocolate and will gobble it up. But it is highly poisonous to both cats and dogs and may result in death. This is because the cocoa in chocolate contains theobromine which they are unable to break down quickly.
Cats are less prone to poisoning as they can’t taste the sweetness and are less likely to eat chocolate.
Cooking chocolate is the most toxic, followed by dark and semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and lastly white chocolate. Chocolate cake and chocolate icing are also extremely toxic as they contain cocoa.
Pet owners may assume their dog is unaffected after eating large quantities of chocolate as it can take several hours for symptoms to appear. Death can follow within 24 hours.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, take him directly to your vet.
Are there other human foods that pets shouldn't eat?
Onions, garlic, grapes and raisins are all poisonous to dogs and cats and can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, pain, liver or kidney failure, coma and death.
If you suspect your pet has eaten any of these foods, take it directly to your vet.
Other foods to avoid are raw fish (which may contain tapeworm and have high levels of the enzyme thiaminase, resulting in a Vitamin B1 deficiency), canned tuna and bones (raw and cooked) which may cause choking or lacerations and blockages of the gastrointestinal tract.
Never offer your pet chicken or chop bones, as these are very brittle and shatter into sharp pieces. Do not give your cat milk, as some cats are unable to digest the lactose in cow’s milk, which may lead to diarrhoea.
My dog/cat is overweight. What should I do?
Excess weight is a result of overfeeding and too little exercise, and this can lead to heart disease, liver problems and arthritis. You will need to cut down on the amount of food or put your pet on a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian.
If you are feeding your pet correctly and it is still gaining weight, make sure it is not getting extra treats from your neighbours!
Excessive weight gain may also be an indication of a hormonal imbalance, in which case you need to visit your vet.
Is it really necessary to take my dog for walks outside the yard?
For optimum health, it is essential that you exercise your dog for about 30 minutes daily.
Most dogs get far less exercise than they need, which often leads to destructive behaviour. Research suggests that dog owners who regularly exercise their pets suffer less heart disease. So walking the dog is good for both you and your pet!
Is it really necessary to groom my dog?
Apart from bathing, grooming such as brushing, nail clipping, ear, eye and teeth-cleaning, cutting/stripping the coat should be carried out regularly.
Be sure to use a dog shampoo when bathing your dog as human shampoos may contain irritants.
At what age should I start training my dog?
Training to respond to commands should commence as soon as possible with short, daily lessons.
Reinforce correct behaviour with praise and by rewarding with tasty treats! Never hit a dog as punishment for failing to obey – rather withhold the reward to show your dissatisfaction.
When issuing commands, use short words in a clear, precise tone of voice. Never vary these command words but do try to make the lessons fun for both of you!
How do you house-train a kitten?
You can teach a kitten as young as four weeks old to use a litter tray by immediately placing it in a litter tray as it begins to crouch.
If a kitten relieves itself outside of the tray do not rub its nose in the mess – the odour will tell the kitten that this is its toilet and it will return to it.
How do you stop a cat from ripping the furniture?
If your cat is allowed outdoors it will probably find a piece of bark on which to sharpen its claws.
Otherwise a vertical post covered in carpeting makes an ideal scratching post.