Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

NSPCA offers R30000 dog-fighting reward

April 30, 2019 in , /by

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has offered a R30000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of dog fighters. Their Special Investigations Unit has noted a spike in reported incidents nationally, and in some cases the dogs have had to be put down due to their injuries. The American pit bull terrier is the most popular dog breed among dog fighters. Special Investigations Unit manager Wendy Willson said that in the past few years they’d had multiple successes, and had saved hundreds of dogs. “The fights are brutal and the dogs suffer the most […]

Firefighter saves kitten using CPR

April 26, 2019 in , /by

Firefighter saves kittens life using CPR. A firefighter from the Lakeside Fire Station is being lauded a hero after saving the life of a kitten that was found inside a burning shop in Heathfield. Grant Bougaardt, along with other rescue workers, managed to bring the tiny ginger kitten back to life minutes after it had died using CPR. Bougaardt, a Muizenberg resident, said he would never have been able to save the kitten were it not for assistance from his team. The baby cat was discovered lying completely still and not breathing at the back of the shop, which was […]

Is your Child Pet-Ready?

April 25, 2019 in , , , , , , , /by

The bond between a child and their furry companion is undoubtedly a precious one and empowering your child to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet of their own can be a significantly positive step in shaping their future personality and behaviour. Pets Add Value to Children’s Lives Having a pet by their side teaches children to be responsible and empathetic while providing them with a playful companion that can keep them on their toes and give them that much needed physical activity! Pets foster family bonds by encouraging members to come together and participate in collaborative activities […]

Scientists Call for a Ban on Glitter, The Latest Microplastic Found Polluting the Ocean

April 24, 2019 in , /by

As we inch closer toward fulfilling the prediction of more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050, every bit we keep out counts – even glitter. Little did most of us know those tiny, shiny metallic specks are made of aluminum and a plastic called PET. When PET breaks down it releases chemicals that disrupt hormones in animals and humans and that are linked with various cancers and neurological diseases. Like microbeads found in bath gels and face scrubs, body glitter and other cosmetics containing glitter are being washed down the drain. From there much of it escapes through […]

New Jersey Senate has just passed a bill that hopefully will help crack down the cruel puppy mill industry

April 22, 2019 in , /by

New Jersey senate has just passed a bill that hopefully will have a significant impact on how pets are purchased and will help crack down the cruel puppy mill industry. According to The Humane Society, there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. today. They produce more than 2.4 million doggies a year — and less than 3,000 of those are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter shelters every year with 1.2 million of them being euthanized. “These puppy mills have gained a notorious reputation for putting profits ahead of the humane […]

Revolting against Rabies

April 18, 2019 in , , , , , , , /by

Just the mere mention of the word “rabies” is enough to trigger alarm and panic amongst pet lovers, given the fatality rate associated with this horrific virus. However, it is important for all responsible pet owners to recognise that rabies is preventable and with a deeper understanding, you will be empowered to protect your furry friend from the merciless hands of this viral disease. Causes of Rabies in Cats and Dogs Rabies can be transmitted to felines and canines when they are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal through a bite. Even though it is less likely, transmission […]

Germany just shut down its last Fur Farm

April 17, 2019 in , /by

  Germany’s last remaining fur farmer has closed. The Rahden-based farm “now stands empty,” according to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), signaling the end of fur production in yet another EU country. Germany’s Fur Ban In 2017, Germany’s government passed legislation that brought a ban to fur farms across the country. PETA credits its heavy campaigning efforts, petitions, protests, and anti-fur ads for helping push the legislation through into law. “Germany’s last fur farms will close down after a five-year transition. The new bill demands stricter regulations governing fur farming and will effectively make the raising of minks non-viable […]

Plant your ‘furever’ life and grow a tree in your pet’s honour

April 16, 2019 in , /by

Imagine if you could celebrate and remember your beloved family furbaby by growing new life in their honour. This is now possible thanks to an innovative, new, green invention that allows you to fertilise and grow a tree with your pet’s ashes. Ballito couple Brent and Christine Westoby from Cemetrees.com recently introduced the international Bios Urn to South Africa. “When we grieve, many of us yearn to have something we can see and touch to remind us of the one who is no longer there. You have cremated ashes but you want to do something more with them,” said Christine. […]

Taking Feline Diabetes Down

April 11, 2019 in , , , , , , , , /by

Diabetes mellitus is being found in a startling number of cats and if left untreated, the consequences can be fatal. It’s essential to be attentive of the signs potentially suggesting the presence of this condition so you can give your cat the best possible treatment at a chance of a quality life. What is diabetes mellitus? In a healthy cat, sugar in the form of glucose, is required by the body for energy. The pancreas produces the hormone, insulin, which attaches to cells and indicates when to absorb glucose. This absorption provides essential fuel to the liver, muscles and cells […]

Wildlife poachers in Kenya ‘to face death penalty’

April 12, 2019 in , /by

    Wildlife poachers in Kenya will face the death penalty, the country’s tourism and wildlife minister has reportedly announced. Najib Balala warned the tough new measure would be fast-tracked into law. Existing deterrents against killing wild animals in the east African nation are insufficient, Mr Balala said, according to China’s Xinhua news agency. So in an effort to conserve Kenya’s wildlife populations, poachers will reportedly face capital punishment once the new law is passed. Kenya is home to a wide variety of treasured species in national parks and reserves, including lions, black rhinos, ostriches, hippos, buffalos, giraffe and zebra. The move could put Kenya in conflict […]