Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

Weird Things Cats Do & Why We Love Them

April 3, 2025 in , , , , , /by

Weird Things Cats Do & Why We Love Them Most cat parents agree that they adore their feline friends because of the weird things they do. The unpredictability of funny cat behavior (Why do cats love boxes? And why do they zoom around at 3 a.m.?) livens up any household. But what you see as silly and entertaining is just your cat following their instincts. Here are six weird things cats do and the science behind them. 1. Kneading One of the most common and distinctive catlike displays of affection is kneading. You climb into bed or curl up in […]

Elephants Trapped in Overturned Truck in the Eastern Cape

April 2, 2025 in , , , /by

Elephants Trapped in Overturned Truck in the Eastern Cape It has come to our attention that Samara Karoo Reserve does not permit hunting, contrary to information previously available online. At the time of the original publication, there was no clear indication that hunting was not allowed. Now that this has been clarified, we accept that Samara Karoo Reserve does not engage in hunting activities. The NSPCA confirms that the elephants safely arrived at their destination by 03:30 on Thursday morning, with the Grahamstown SPCA playing a vital role in ensuring their well-being. However, many questions remain regarding the ethical considerations […]

Pets and Exercises

April 1, 2025 in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Pets and Exercises The IMPORTANCE of regular exercise for pets Exercise is essential for pets, just as it is for humans. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of illness, and stimulate pets mentally. Just like humans, animals who exercise tend to be happier and healthier with greater quality of life. Every pet needs exercise, and most don’t get anywhere near the amount they need. This is why there are so many overweight, bored companions with behaviour problems. Whether your pet is a dog that loves to run, a cat that enjoys a playful chase, or […]

Over 350 paws to walk the Sea Point promenade

April 1, 2025 in , , , , /by

Over 350 paws to walk the Sea Point promenade Humans and four-legged friends are invited to strut their stuff at the seventh Paws on the Promenade – a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition. The dog walk will take place on Sunday the 13th of April at 8:30am. Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometer route will extend to the Sea Point swimming pool and back. Shorter turnaround points for old, tired and injured pets (or humans) will also be available. “Our 2024 Paws on the Promenade was a […]

Urgent Veterinary Crisis: USAID’s Funding Cuts Threaten Public Health

March 31, 2025 in , , /by

Urgent Veterinary Crisis: USAID’s Funding Cuts Threaten Public Health South African Veterinary Association warns of severe impact following termination of USAID funding The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has expressed grave concern over the recent termination of USAID funding, which has significantly affected health services, including critical veterinary programs. The abrupt cessation of this financial support has led to the closure of numerous initiatives, threatening to reverse decades of progress in controlling epidemics and ensuring public health safety. USAID’s global health initiatives extend beyond human health, playing a crucial role in addressing zoonotic diseases – those that can be transmitted […]

Why cats won’t use litter tray

March 30, 2025 in , , , , , , /by

Why cats won’t use litter tray? Unfortunately, cats don’t always connect with the litter box. Even cats that know the drill will sometimes choose another spot at home. “House-soiling” can become a concern for even the best cat owners. It can be a sign of a serious health issue or simply the result of changes around the house. Pay close attention for clues to put an early end to a nasty problem for both you and the pet you love. Here are the most common causes and some solutions to try: Dirty litter trays: Cats don’t like using a tray […]

Aggressive dog behaviour

March 29, 2025 in , , , , , , , , , , /by

Aggressive dog behaviour Animals being aggressive is a compex behaviour and should be identified correctly and addressed immediately by qualified individuals! Behavior is one of the most common reasons people surrender animals to shelters, especially dogs—and aggression is often a key concern. But could it be that you’re misunderstanding your dog rather than them “misbehaving”? Aggression is a complex issue and one of the most frequent behavioral challenges addressed by professionals. However, many actions that people interpret as aggression are actually normal forms of canine communication. As the Whole Dog Journal shares: “The broad spectrum of “aggressive behaviours” is technically […]

Extinguishing Heat Exhaustion in Cats

March 28, 2025 in , , , , /by

Extinguishing Heat Exhaustion in Cats Are you a pet parent living in an area with hot summers? If you don’t have air conditioning, you may be worried about your cat getting heat exhaustion. There may be a flurry of questions going through your mind: What will happen while you’re gone during the day? Will your kitty sweat — or suffer? Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your home cool enough for your feline friend. Hot Town, Summer for the Kitty When temperatures start to rise, your cat might be more comfortable than you think: according to […]

Cruelty for Clicks: Social Media Animal Cruelty in South Africa

March 27, 2025 in /by

Cruelty for Clicks: Social Media Animal Cruelty in South Africa As social media platforms continue to evolve, especially with the rapid rise in the popularity of TikTok in South Africa, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has become increasingly concerned with the alarming surge in content depicting animal cruelty being shared online. This disturbing trend is not only unprecedented but has led to a significant shift in the NSPCA’s priorities, prompting more resources to be directed toward investigating “social media crimes” and less time spent on traditional fieldwork, including vital on-the-ground inspections and investigations. The nature of these videos presents […]

Eggsposure: NGOs Unite to Expose Foul Play in South Africa’s Egg Industry

March 26, 2025 in , , /by

Eggsposure: NGOs Unite to Expose Foul Play in South Africa’s Egg Industry On World NGO Day, a global celebration of civil society’s role in driving meaningful change, leading advocacy groups in South Africa are launching the Eggsposure Campaign to call for transparency and accountability from the food industry in South Africa, specifically, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA). The campaign, led by the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Animal Law Reform South Africa (ALRSA), reveals CGCSA’s actions which, they argue, obstruct civil society engagement, suppress consumer and constitutional rights, hinder transparency, and support cruel and […]