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Hot weather and your pets

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Animals 101 – Hot weather and your pets

Photo by The Paw Company

Even though many parts of the country have recently experienced lots of rain and cooler weather, the summer is here and protecting your pets from the heat is crucial for their well-being. Heatstroke is also a health risk!

HOT WEATHER SAFETY

Here are a few tips from the Humane Society to keep your pets safe in the heat:

  • Please make sure your pets/animals are sheltered from the elements.
  • They need 24 hour access to fresh, clean and cool water. Keep their bowls out of the sun.
  • Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, because overheating can kill them. The inside of a vehicle can reach high degrees in mere minutes, even with the windows cracked.
  • Take walks during the early morning or after sunset.
  • On very hot days, any outdoor exercise should be brief or only during the cooler hours of the day.
  • Test the pavement/ground/road with the back of your hand before you go for a walk. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Use the 5 second rule. If you can’t hold your hand on the road or pavement for 5 seconds, then it can potentially burn their paws and cause injury.
  • Never leave an animal out in the sun. Always ensure they have access to shade.
  • For those breeds with a thin coat or lighter skin, prone to sunburn, apply animal safe sunscreen.
  • Regulate the temperature inside your home. Use air-cons, fans, or give access to cooler areas like a basement or darker room with tile floors.
  • Take extra precautions with old, overweight or snub-nosed dogs in hot weather. Boston terriers, Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and Bulldogs are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Dogs with heart or lung diseases should be closely monitored.
  • Watch for signs of heat stroke. These include panting, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, rapid pulse, bright red gums, and blue tongue or lips.
  • Treat heat stroke immediately. Move them to a cool place and lower their body temperature with cool (NOT icy) water, then contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
  • Provide a safe dog pool to help them cool down. This should be supervised.

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT SHAVE YOUR PET ACCORDING TO DR. KAREN BECKER

Most cats and many dogs shouldn’t have their coats shaved, even during the heat of summer. It may seem counterintuitive, but your pet’s coat actually provides heat relief in warm weather.

Many long-haired cats can require regular brushing to prevent mats that ultimately lead to a “buzzcut”. As a general rule dogs shouldn’t be shaved, either; however, there are exceptions, such as dogs with chronic hot spots. Some dogs actually really like a very short coat; in this case, consider a “puppy cut”.

Animals 101 – Hot weather and your pets

Photo by Dr. Karen Becker from Facebook page

Even in the summer we can experience some cold days! Here are our cold weather tips.

The risk of flash flooding is also a reality. See some tips below on this.

Animals 101 – Hot weather and your pets

Photo from The Paw Company Facebook page

It doesn’t matter what kind of weather we have, your animals should always be protected from the elements as you are responsible for them. If you see an animal that appears owner-less at the time, in danger, injured, in distress or one that is not protected from the elements, please contact your local SPCA immediately!

Source: The Bulletin

Are you firework ready?

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ANIMALS 101 – ARE YOU FIREWORK READY?

Animals 101 – Do you have a plan in place to keep your pets safe and calm during the firework festivities?

Pet owners dread holidays and occasions that feature fireworks. These events usually send domestic animals into a frenzy of worry or a state of frozen terror. Noise-phobia (fireworks & storms etc.) is one of the top reasons why many animals try to get out or get lost. Dogs and other animals can seriously injure themselves attempting to escape during storms, fireworks displays, and other noisy events. If you don’t have a plan yet, start preparing now because you are responsible for them.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The good news is that there are things you can do during the off-season to prepare your pets for fireworks. Rather than saying or doing something that might reinforce anxious behaviour, try simply observing your dog during a fearful episode and see what you can do to help calm them.

TIPS for FIREWORK PREPARATION (by Best Behaviour & Dr Karen Becker)

  • Use a teaspoon to knock on various surfaces around the house and follow up with a treat. This teaches your dog that startling sounds predict yummy food.
  • Teach your dog to use a Kong or chew toy so that they can engage in this calming activity during the next fireworks occasion.
  • Play with your dog during thunderstorms. Creating an association between play and the cracks of lightning will aid in generalizing a positive emotional state during fireworks.
  • Make sure they are micro-chipped AND that you registered the microchip on more than one database. Make sure your micro-chip information is up-to-date as well as your animal having an up-to-date tag on their collar. This is a big challenge when we find pets with out-of-date details.
  • If you know your pet is prone to extreme stress during this time, then see your veterinarian before the time for some medication. Do not use human medication! Consult your integrative veterinarian about herbal, homeopathic, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and flower remedies that could be helpful in alleviating your dog’s stress.
  • Learn more about zoopharmacognosy, which allows your pet to self-select remedies that best soothe them during periods of anxiety.
  • Invest in an Adaptil collar or diffuser for your dog. Adaptil is a pheromone designed to have a calming effect on dogs.
  • Any medication or remedies have to be used together with behavioural therapy!
  • Make sure your yard is secure and safe as many pets who try to escape get stuck on palisades or hurt on other fencing.

Watch this video for more details.

WHAT TO DO DURING FIREWORKS?

  • On the day of the expected fireworks, look for your animals, especially cats, before the fireworks start.
  • Close windows and curtains so your pet is not startled by sudden flashes.
  • Try blocking the intensity of the sounds your pet hears. Ear protection for dogs is available.
  • If your pet is afraid of storms or other loud outside noises, leaving them outdoors while they are anxious or panicked is the worst thing you can do. Keep your pets indoors with windows, doors and pet doors shut & secured so they can’t escape when spooked.
  • If your cat is not used to being indoors, provide extra litter boxes inside.
  • Provide your pet with food before the fireworks as it can help calm them or they might be too stressed to eat later.
  • A quiet environment can often provide relief. The goal is to give your dog a secure spot that helps them calm themselves. Try coaxing them to a quiet area of your home where they’d be completely unable to hear the noise stressors. Either leave them there to self-soothe (as long as they are not frantic) or stay quietly with them. Use blankets and bedding to mask the sounds and add their favourite toy. If they continue to panic in the dark, quiet space, it isn’t what they need to help them relax.
  • Cats also feel secure playing inside boxes.
  • If your dog is crate trained, they may go there voluntarily to self-soothe, or you can lead the way. A blanket draped over the crate may help them relax. However, if your dog doesn’t normally use a crate, or worse, has a fear of crates due to a past bad experience, this isn’t the time to use one. Under no circumstances should a fearful pup be forced into a crate either when they’re already anxious, or in anticipation of a panic response to weather or other noises. Your dog will feel trapped, which will make both their phobia and reaction to it worse.
  • Place a few drops of the essential oil of lavender on your dog’s collar or bedding before a stressor occurs, if possible.
  • Play calm, soothing music like MusicMyPet before a potential stressor occurs. Put the TV or music on, to mute the firework bangs.
  • If your pet is hiding, don’t try to lure them out. This can make them become more anxious & stressed.
  • Distract your pet with treats or play time if they are pacing or displaying nervous behaviour.  Give them something to chew on or sniff.
  • Try putting gentle, continuous pressure on your pet to calm her. If they’ll allow it, try leaning gently on or against them without petting or stroking. If this is helping, you’ll feel their muscles begin to relax. If instead they seems to grow more anxious, this isn’t a technique that will be beneficial for them.

If your dog seems to respond well to pressure applied to their body, there are wraps available like the Thunder-shirt that many pet owners and veterinarians find extremely helpful.

T-touch is a specific massage technique that may also help anxious pets.

  • Stay home with your pets in these frightening times as you would with frightened children.
  • You also need to stay calm as they can feel your anxiety.

ANIMALS 101 – ARE YOU FIREWORK READY?

Don’t support fireworks and report illegal use of it in residential areas, to your nearest SAPS (even if you think nothing will happen a paper trail can help in future).

Help us educate about fireworks! Read the full article on fireworks. 

Source: The Bulletin

Dont be captured by circus captivity

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Animals 101 - Dont be captured by circus captivity

Photo by the Animal Justice Party

ANIMALS 101 – YOUR HOUR OR TWO OF FUN, MEANS A LIFETIME OF ENSLAVEMENT FOR THEM.

In light of the circus making their rounds across our country, we remind the public to make ethical choices when choosing their entertainment. Circuses that force animals to perform, are some of the most cruel shows on earth! Don’t support circuses that exploit animals for entertainment and greed.

While the sight of a lion jumping through fire, an elephant standing on its head, or a monkey riding a bicycle may seem entertaining to some, these animals have to suffer a lifetime of abuse, confinement, and stress.

Cruelty comes in many forms.  Ever had a problem with someone chaining their dog, yet you take your children to the circus? Cruelty is not only physical abuse and you might be cruel to animals through neglect or by supporting certain practices, products or industries like the entertainment industry (circus, aquariums, petting farms, animals rides etc.)!

People tend to not think about the “behind the scenes” and welfare aspect of the animals when they go to enjoy the circus. No matter what the owners tell you and whether you think they are pampered or not, animals do not belong in the circus. It is what you can’t see that is the problem!

REASONS TO NOT SUPPORT THE CIRCUS!

  • BORN IN CAPTIVITY & LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FOR NATURAL BEHAVIOUR.

Elephants, lions, tigers, and chimpanzees are all very social animals by nature, yet in the circus, these animals are taken away from their mothers at a very young age and brought up in a solitary environment where they cannot exhibit many of their natural behaviours. It removes animals from their natural habitat and social structure.

It involves the animal in performances that are foreign to their natural behaviour. It is not normal for a lion to jump through fire nor for an elephant to stand on its head.  Many animals develop behavioural and/or health problems as a direct result of the captive life that they are forced to lead.

  • THE DARK SIDE OF TRAINING

Training circus animals are often deliberately misrepresented to make it appear as though they perform because they like it, when in reality it’s because they have been conditioned to do so as the trainer commands, or face some form of abuse. Circuses and trainers may claim to uphold the best practices and to have the animal’s best interests at heart, but those of us in animal welfare, don’t buy that for one second. Big cats learn to obey commands because they’re afraid of being whipped.

The training of circus animals is a dark and disturbing world which is hidden from the public eye, however, many investigators have been able to film secret footage of the horrific ways in which trainers force their animals to learn the tricks they perform on stage. Bull hooks, whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, and other barbaric tools are used to physically punish the animals until they learn to get it right. Bleeding, bruising, and even broken bones have been witnessed by investigators. 

Animals 101 - Dont be captured by circus captivity

Picture from Circus Protest

  • TRAVEL, CHAINED & CAGED WITH LITTLE SPACE

While they’re being hauled around the country from venue to venue, animals may be crammed into tractor trailers for days on end. These trucks are usually cramped, filthy, sweltering, and poorly ventilated. An elephant named Heather died from heat exhaustion in a tractor trailer. When they are not training or performing, animals are kept chained or caged with little space to move in.  Circus animals easily spend more than 90 percent of their lives behind bars.

The average circus travels for 48 weeks of the year, and during this time, the animals are all confined to tiny cages, only just big enough to stand and turn around in. In the wild, an elephant walks on average of 25 km per day, but can walk up to 195 km per day, highlighting the immense disparity between their cruel circus lifestyle and their natural one.

Animals 101 - Dont be captured by circus captivity

Picture shared by The Paw Company

  • MENTAL HEALTH

The wild animals commonly abused in circuses are extremely stressed by circus conditions. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate and cause stress to these animals. These animals endure the rigors of transport, training and performances. With lack of space, socialization, training methods and stress of performing unnatural behaviour, it is very common for these animals to develop stress related illnesses, depression, anxiety, and extreme frustration when they are deprived of companionship.

Over prolonged periods this can result in abnormal behaviour patterns, which include, swaying, head-bobbing, and incessant pacing. Sometimes, they even harm themselves. They’re denied everything that gives their lives meaning, such as the opportunity to run, play, or socialize. Animals have snapped when they became overwhelmed by the stress of circus life, going on rampages and causing property damage and even human deaths and injuries. The animals often pay for this, with their lives.

  • PHYSICAL LONG-TERM DISABILITIES

In addition to the above, the captive state which these poor animals experience, often leads to shorter lifespans and physical disabilities, due to a lack of any natural exercise and the extreme daily confinement. Joint problems are particularly common among elephants, lions, and tigers as they would naturally roam for kilometres, something which circus animals never get to experience.

Animals 101 - Dont be captured by circus captivity

Picture by Animals Asia

When you purchase a ticket to a circus that exploits animals, you’re supporting their misery. Circus life is not good for animals and they should never be treated as products! They are sentient beings and deserve respect, care and most of all freedom. Taking your kids to the circus is not “just for fun or innocent”, it shows a lack of compassion and understanding. Captivity is not education!

What you can do – There are so many entertaining circuses that doesn’t exploit animals.  Support them! Join a demonstration and encourage your friends and family members to shun animal circuses by sharing this information. Be an example for your kids.

DO THE RIGHT THING by not supporting this cruel industry and by reporting, to the SPCA, any welfare concerns you may notice when passing a circus.

Did you complain about lock down at any stage? This is how animals in the circus/captivity feel for their entire life! These animals have no voice and no choice. We will fight, not until cages are comfortable, but until they are empty!

Source: The Bulletin

Child-friendly pets will be found in pet-friendly homes

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Animals 101 - child-friendly pets will be found in pet-friendly homes

Image shared by Belinda Thomas (Dog trainer & mom)

ANIMALS 101 – LEARNING TO SPOT THE SIGNS AND TEACHING SAFETY IS IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO INTERACTIONS BETWEEN DOGS & CHILDREN.

Research shows that pets can contribute to a child’s development physically by strengthening their immune system, emotionally by creating an irreplaceable relationship and teaching responsibility by including them in pet care activities. It is however crucial to educate children and parents about dog behavior and to teach kids how to interact with dogs safely for both the animal and the child’s sake.

One of the top reasons why animals are surrendered to shelters is behavior.  This includes “aggression” because they bit someone. Some people even kill those animals.  There is no such thing as a ‘child safe breed’.  Every dog has the capacity to bite, some can just do more damage. When children get bitten by a dog, this doesn’t necessarily mean a dog is ‘aggressive’.

Dog body language can be quite intricate and it is easy for parents and kids to miss the subtle warning signals. We often hear the phrase “there was absolutely no warning, the dog just bit out of the blue.” The truth is that there were plenty of warnings, but they were either missed or ignored and the child pushed the dog to their breaking point.

Some statistics show that almost 50% of children will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday and more than half of those will be under the age of 5 years. Bites usually occur on the face or neck and are most often inflicted by the family or family friend’s dog, in their own home, with parents present, because parents are less likely to intervene when they know the dog.

Dog bites to children are not accidents, they are preventable!

Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t have an innate desire to protect or care for children and can find the body language and eye contact of young children unnerving. Dogs generally don’t like their space being invaded, arms around their neck or having children lean or sit on them. At best they will tolerate it…..for a while.

Not one of the photos in this poster below is cute.  Missing from this group of pictures is a picture of a dog covered in marker pen drawings. Pictures like this make my blood run cold.  

There are certain behaviors, called calming signals, that dogs show when they are stressed. These serve two purposes; firstly, they are an attempt on the dog’s part at self-soothing, and secondly, they are a message to others that the dog is not comfortable and would like the situation to defuse. If parents are aware of these SIGNALS, they can step in when they see their dog showing any of these behaviors:

  • Lip licking (contexts is important)
  • Tongue flicks
  • Stress yawns
  • Eye blinks
  • Ears back/flat
  • Whale eye (seeing the whites of the eyes)
  • Closed/tense mouth
  • Averting gaze / turning the head away
  • Shifting weight
  • Lifting paws
  • Freezing – WATCH OUT! Freezing is one step past a calming signal. It’s very often a last-ditch attempt to tell you to back off. Dogs will typically freeze right before they snap.

Watch this video by Dog Sense Training and Behavior and see if you can pick up on the cues mentioned.

Animals 101 - child-friendly pets will be found in pet-friendly homes

Animals 101 - child-friendly pets will be found in pet-friendly homes

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

TEACH YOUR KIDS

  • Provide feedback to children by pointing out signs that the animal is uncomfortable or scared. This helps develop a child’s understanding of body language and maintains safety.
  • Be an example for your kids of compassion, kindness, respect and responsibility towards animals.
  • Encourage your child to be gentle when touching pets – never allow children to pull tails, ears or roughhouse with any animal.
  • Pets don’t like to be hugged, so never encourage hugs.
  • Chairs are for sitting on, not dogs.
  • Don’t disturb pets when they are sleeping.
  • Dogs are not canvas or paper, so don’t draw/paint the dog.
  • Don’t take bones, food or toys from animals.
  • Don’t chase them nor tease them.
  • They hear sound much louder than humans so do not scream around them.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

  • Safety needs to be the primary goal when mixing children and animals.
  • When introducing a new born baby to a pet, first start by letting the pet sniff your baby’s blankets and clothes. Later allow the pet to sniff your baby’s foot or hand while you hold the baby securely. Never offer a head to be sniffed.
  • Never leave a baby or young child alone with an animal, for any reason. Any dog can bite; any cat can scratch.
  • Closely supervise child-animal interactions.
  • Never allow a child to approach or run towards an unknown animal, especially alone.
  • NEVER PUNISH A GROWL as it is a dogs warning system and a way of communicating that they feel uncomfortable. If you punish a growl they will learn to go straight to snap/bite without warning.
  • No-touch, no-talk, no-eye contact principle when meeting a pet.

LEARN ABOUT & TEACH CHILDREN TO READ BODY LANGUAGE

  • Learn more about body language and calming signals.
  • Look at T-E-M-P signs:

T – Tail, E – Eyes & Ears, M – Mouth, P – Posture

ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION

  • When you are near an unknown dog/pet, ask the animal’s guardian if they are child-friendly, and then instead of approaching further, call the animal into your space for physical contact. If the animal does not approach, leave them alone.  
  • When touching rather hold out your hand instead of going for their head from above and let them come to you.
  • Consent to touch an animal by any person should be clear, voluntary and with ongoing permission from the pet.

Read more on choosing pets for your child.

The way you allow your child to treat animals can be unintentional cruelty, but still cruelty, which is a crime. Do not let your child be the reason that this animal doesn’t trust children/humans. We also do not want your child to fear animals for the rest of their life, because of a bite incident.

It is not your dog’s job to know how to interact with your kids. You need to teach your kids how to interact with your dog.

Source: The Bulletin

Found a Bat?

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Animals 101 - Found a Bat?

Image from Craig View Veterinary Clinic (Facebook)

Many people come across young, injured or grounded bats and wonder what to do with them. Care and caution should be exercised and such cases should be referred to the nearest bat interest group, rehabilitation centre or the SPCA.

Urban development causes fewer suitable roost sites for bats, such as caves, dead trees and natural cavities, thus forcing bats to seek alternative roosting sites making roofs and ceilings the next optimal site for many bat species. They are quiet animals, so you won’t even know they are there.

A bat found indoors is most likely to be a crevice-dwelling species. These bats are often lost youngster or babies that cannot fly since we are in bat breeding season which runs from October up until late February.

SOME BAT FACTS

  • Bats are clean animals and South African bats are odourless and appear to not carry rabies as we know it.
  • Bats are the only true flying mammal, with over 1,400 species in the world and more are still being discovered. 
  • Bats usually only have one baby a year and can live for up to 30 years.
  • Bats play a crucial role in our ecosystem.
  • Some plants depend partly or wholly on bats to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds.
  • Insectivorous bats provide natural pest control.  A tiny pipistrelle can eat up to 3,000 insects in a night.
  • Other species play a vital role in pollinating agricultural crops and indigenous vegetation, being of great value to the agricultural sector – thanks to bats we get bay adapted plants – which include dates, vanilla, bananas, breadfruit, guavas, Iroko timber, balsa wood, sisal, Tequila and chewing gum!
  • Some bats are ‘indicator species’, because changes to these bat populations can indicate changes in aspects of biodiversity. Bats might suffer when there are problems with insect populations.
  • You can’t relocate bats, you might be able to exclude (“lock out”) them from the house, but it isn’t advised as you can never be certain that all the babies are out too! Thus, trapping them inside and their parents out which leads to starvation. 

WHEN YOU FIND A BABY BAT (PUP)

The young babies do not have fur yet and have a “rubber” appearance. They are called pinky’s. For the first few weeks, the pups can’t fly yet and still drink from their mom.

  1. Collect them in a soft cloth and try not to touch them with your hands.
  2. Secure them in a box or ice-cream tub (with air holes) which can seal properly as they are escape artists.
  3. Any bat found, should be kept warm because they might be in shock. Pups can’t regulate their body temperature yet (no fur) and therefore won’t necessarily move away from the heat and can burn themselves.  Warm tap water in a bottle, covered with a towel/cloth is best.
  4. Call a rehabilitator as you might not be equipped to feed them, release them or see whether they are injured. Rehabilitators will ask for photos and videos.

We do not recommend placing bat pups back into roosts (controversy):

  • The mother bat may be dead.
  • Several species of bat may roost in the same roof, placing the pup in the wrong roost can get it killed.
  • The mother bat may have twins or triplets and has chosen to abandon one as resources may not enable her to raise all the babies.

REUNITE WITH MOM

Mom is what is best for them, so reuniting them, with the guidance of a rehabilitator, is ideal! Do this as close as possible to where you found them.  Some use ladders with the open container (secured to the ladder) on top, with a cloth and warm water bottle in the bottom and then the pup under another cloth, without the lid. Mom needs to be able to land on a firm surface that is rough enough like a towel thrown over a wall, balcony railing or ladder. 

You can try it for one or maybe two consecutive nights and for an hour or two at dusk, depending on the weather. If it didn’t happen the first night, chances are low for the second night. The pup needs to be warm or it won’t call for its mom.

Please watch the pup collection site, so that predators (like cats or owls) don’t come and collect the pup.

Bats can’t take off from the ground, they need to “drop” from a height (around 1.5m). As they’re falling, they get the wind under their wings to fly.

Animals 101 - Found a Bat?

Screenshot from a video on setting up a ladder to reunite mom & pup.

A BAT IN YOUR HOME (NSPCA)

  • Close any doors you can to contain the bat in a single room or space.
  • Open all the doors and windows as wide as you can in that area.
  • Turn any outside lights on.
  • Turn off the lights in the room.
  • Stay in the room, sit down, relax, and watch the bat. If you don’t, you will not know if it actually left or has landed and is resting somewhere.
  • Do not try to guide the bat with a broom, tennis racket etc. It does not want to get in your hair!
  • The bat, if allowed to, will navigate its way out using the light outside and the draft created by the open window or door.
  • This may take 20 minutes.

GROUNDED BATS

Adult bats should also be handled with care (no bare hands) and kept warm.  If the bat has landed somewhere and is in good health, it may be captured and released outside after sunset as close as possible to where they were found. Approach your visitor very slowly and quietly. Gently place a can or box over the bat, slide cardboard underneath and release your visitor outside at dusk, placing it on a high surface where it will be able to take off.

If bitten by your cat or dog there is a danger of infection and death, even if they flew off.  You can add a bell to your cat’s collar or keep them inside around sunset hours to prevent this. Call a rehabilitator or wildlife vet to treat the injured bat.

DON’T FEED THEM (without a rehabilitator’s guidance)

It is our natural instinct to want to feed them and with good intent, however in general, we don’t advise giving food or water until you spoke to a rehabilitator. 

Although small, bats have a large body surface due to their wingspan and can easily dehydrate. When they are dehydrated, they can’t digest food properly. They have tiny mouths and can easily choke or aspirate, especially when in shock.  If you are inexperienced with liquid therapy and feeding, you can potentially kill them.

Depending on the size, the rehabilitator will guide you on what kind of food. This can range from kitty milk(for tiny pups) with a syringe, mealworms, bananas etc. If you have to give water to a bat who can drink themselves already, a shallow jam jar lid can work.

Animals 101 - Found a Bat?

Image from Johannesburg Wildlife Vet (Facebook)

REMEMBER

  • Never disturb a roost.
  • It’s illegal to harm them.
  • Don’t poison or kill them – they might be the last of their specie!
  • Never wake bats found during hibernations as waking requires a huge amount of energy which may be more than the bat can afford to survive.
  • Don’t fear them.

Call these bat-specific rehabilitators:

Vicky 073 174 9775 / SAWRC 073 112 1131

Sharron from BatMadGP 082 553 5258   

Please help us change the way people see bats and try to live with them as they are sentient beings and important to the ecosystem.

Source: The Bulletin

Helping wild birds in the best possible way

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HELPING WILD BIRDS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY

Compassionate people are concerned when they find wild animals including birds but are often unsure of how to handle situations.

We have had so many people recently contact us with regards to finding a birds in their gardens. Sometimes wild animals end up around our homes and many people with good intentions try to help them.  There is always a possibility that you might do more harm than good if you don’t know how to handle the situation correctly. Today we will focus on finding birds and give some general guidelines shared by the NSPCA and other wildlife rehabilitation organizations.

Sometimes it is a bird/animal that had a stressful encounter and is now just “catching their breath”, other times they might be injured and lost, or is a baby/fledgling. Unless in immediate danger or injured…….let them be. If it is an adult bird (any animal), they might also have babies nearby, which could die if you remove them.

Don’t BIRDNAP the babies! Many young birds may appear abandoned, but they are probably waiting for mom or learning to fly. The process of fledging begins by jumping out of the nest. It usually takes them 3-4 days to learn how to fly. It is the time when mom teaches them how to fear, forage and fly. We know it is a dangerous world, but this is why it is so crucial to learn these skills from mom. If they look a little scruffy, fully feathered, standing and hopping, they are probably a fledgling.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FOUND WILDLIFE – IN SHORT

  1. If they are injured, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
  2. If not injured or in immediate danger, let them be and observe.
  3. Before you remove them, first contact a wildlife rehabilitator, local welfare organizations, or SPCA to advise.
  4. Do not give food or water before speaking to a rehabilitator…..that is why you should contact them as soon as possible. You could kill them by giving them something that their body can’t handle at that moment. You can’t feed a dehydrated bird and the public might not be equipped to know how to recognize the symptoms and they might have an internal injury. For dehydration, they might need liquid therapy too.

Don’t feed them even if it is a tiny baby. Forced syringe feeding is usually a struggle for humans and birds. They can also aspirate, so please do this with the guidance of a rehabilitator only. Many people have this notion to feed Weetbix or ProNutro, but we strongly advise against it. There are safer options if you have to and the rehabilitator will advise on it.

Remember that stress is a big killer of rescued wildlife!

SOME POSSIBILITIES might include (first confirm with the right people):

  • To let them be while you look for mom nearby.
  • To put the baby back in the nearby nest if you know it is theirs.
  • To take them in and keep them safe until the right person can fetch them.
  • Get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible – it will be highly beneficial to the rehabilitators if you keep a record of any injuries you may have noticed when you found the bird as well as any information regarding the treatment of the bird whilst in your care for example whether or not you have given liquids, whether they had any bowel movements, strange behaviour and where you found them.

Image: Johannesburg Wildlife Vet

WHAT TO DO WITH WILDLIFE UNTIL PROFESSIONAL HELP ARRIVES

  • Prepare the container. Place newspaper or straw on the bottom of a cardboard box or container with a lid. Don’t use sawdust as it can interfere with respiration.
  • If it doesn’t have air holes, make enough for good ventilation. For smaller birds, you can use a paper sack with air holes.
  • Protect yourself. Wear gloves, if possible. Some birds may stab with their beaks, slice with their talons (claws) and slap with their wings to protect themselves, even if sick; birds might have parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) and carry diseases.
  • Cover the bird with a light sheet or towel.
  • Gently pick up the bird and put it into the prepared container-do not hold the bird across its chest as this can damage the crop and the internal organs of the bird which will kill it. Keep the bird in a container; don’t let it loose in your house or car.
  • The correct manner of holding a bird is as follows:

Place a hand over the top of the bird very gently with your index finger and middle finger parting in a “V”. The neck of the bird should rest between the arches of the “V” as to stabilize its head and neck. With your other hand support the bottom of the bird and allow its feet to rest comfortably in your hand. Secure the wings of the bird. Do not handle the bird with a tight grip as it just needs to be stable in the above position. Handle firm if enough so they don’t escape and get injured, but gentle enough not to hurt them yourself. Do not handle them unnecessarily.

  • Warm the bird if the weather is cold/wet or if the bird is chilled. Put one end of the container on a heating pad set on low. Alternatively fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink bottle with a screw lid, hot water bottle, or rubber glove with hot water; wrap a warm container with a cloth and put it next to the bird. Make sure the container doesn’t leak, or the bird will become wet and chilled.
  • If the bird is soaking wet and only if the rehabilitator advised so, use a hair dryer on LOW / medium warmth to dry the bird. Very important: Keep one hand between the bird and the hairdryer so you can feel the heat. Make sure you do not burn the bird. Ensure there is not a massive build-up of heat in the box while drying. As soon as their feathers are fluffed and the bird is warm, leave it to cool down to room temperature in a quiet area.
  • Tape the box shut or roll the top of the bag closed. Obviously not the air holes.
  • Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place. Leave the bird alone, don’t bother or handle it. It is stressful for wild animals to be kept in a noisy environment where there are lots of unfamiliar or predator smells and stress is the biggest killer of rescued birds. Keep children and pets away.
  • Again, do not give them food or water.
  • Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, the SPCA, nature conservation department, or wildlife veterinarian as soon as possible.
  • Don’t keep the bird at your home longer than is necessary.
  • It would be prudent to leave the bird in the box undisturbed for the evening if it is found late afternoon, unless you’ve picked up an owl, in which case, release them as soon as it is dry so it can hunt, if not injured. Release the animal where you found it, as early in the morning as possible. They start chirping from 4.30 am in the summer months but 5.30 / 6 am would be fine too. Make sure dogs or cats cannot get to them while they are in the box getting their bearings before taking off.
  • If you did put water in a small accessible container, make sure the water is not bumped over and the bird then goes without water. Again, this is after you confirmed with a rehabilitator.
  • Wash your hands after contact with the bird. Wash anything the bird was in contact with – towel, jacket, blanket, carrier to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to you or your pets.
  • If there have been heavy rains or other extreme weather, please take a few extra minutes and check gardens for wildlife that may be drenched and not able to fly.

What happens to the bird afterward?  Wild birds need to go back to the wild.  If injured, they will need professional help from rehabilitators. It is important to remember that rehabilitators will evaluate each situation individually.  Although the above are general guidelines please ALWAYS contact a rehabilitator first.

BIRD OF PREY

If you found a young bird of prey alone and they appear to not be injured, watch from a distance to see if mom returns. If you can approach the bird, they are likely very sick or seriously injured.  If this is the case, follow the above guidelines and contact the vet or rescue organization.

  • Do NOT use a wire cage/cat cage or something similar.
  • Make note of where the bird was found.
  • Do NOT attempt to feed the bird or provide water.
  • As above, if it is an owl and not injured, release them at night and don’t keep them for the evening.

GEESE

Common to many areas this time of year, the Egyptian goose population is one of the few on the increase. Egyptian geese lead their goslings to water a few days after hatching, often along busy streets.

“Unlike some of our local wildlife whose existence is being severely threatened by human development and urbanization, our ever-expanding cities and suburbs are proving an ideal breeding site for Egyptian geese. In addition to a warm climate, Egyptian geese look for access to a freshwater source and an area with plentiful food. So, be it your swimming pool, an eco-estate or a golf course, our Egyptian geese are currently spoilt for choice when it comes to sites to rear their young,” says CROW director, Paul Hoyte.

Hoyte suggests leaving the geese be, if they take up residence in gardens, except where there is a danger of attacks from pets. In these cases, he appeals to people to assist them with safe capture.

If you find them in the street, DO NOT “rescue” the goslings or any other little ones by separating them from their parents. You can rather escort the family through the traffic to the nearest pond.

“The biggest problem we have is that to give the goslings the best chance of survival, we need to catch mom and dad too. Herein lies the problem, as they simply fly away as soon as we arrive with our catch and throw nets. Thankfully, what we have been finding as a huge help, is if the homeowner is prepared to lend us a helping hand by getting the family into any enclosed area such as a garage or shed before we arrive”.

“This is relatively easy to do with a washing or laundry basket. Gently scoop up each of the goslings and place them in the basket. Then, with mom and dad watching you, take the goslings and place the basket in your open garage or shed. Soon enough, mom and dad will make their way into the room to be close to their babies. As soon as they’re in, close the door and contact your local rescue to come and catch them.”

Remember: Never feed any ducks or geese bread!

Image by Yvette from SDS Services & Training Academy. Adorable goslings taken to nearby water in Secunda, with mom following.

WILDLIFE AND THE SPCA

It is important to understand that it is against the law to keep wild mammals/birds if you don’t have permits, even if you plan to release them. The SPCA is a place of safety for animals, dogs and cats being the most commonly handled or admitted animals and no animal is ever turned away. They care for farm and domestic animals. Wildlife is also accepted with indigenous animals being relocated to approved wildlife rehabilitation centers.

  • Highveld Ridge SPCA injured stray animals or wildlife: (082) 222 1122 /  (082) 869 2350 (Advice)
  • Bethal SPCA injured animals: (072) 573 3122 / (066) 397 1630 (Advice)

For more advice or if you are unsure of anything contact the South African Wildlife and Rehabilitation centre rescuers.

  • Judy: (073) 112 1131
  • Leanne: (082) 852 2510
  • Lauren: (082) 873 8235
  • Dirk: (071) 755 3791
  • Stefan: (079) 771 7125 (in Secunda)

Birds in TEKS area:

  • Shy: (083) 653 9755
  • Willie: (079) 046 1001

Please be patient when asking for assistance as these rescuers do not only deal with your situation that day. Thank you for caring enough to help. Educate yourself and others on how to help wild and domestic animals in the best possible and safest way. Please consider donating to the organization that assists or takes the animal in.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

Need a Wildlife Rescue?
Search our Wildlife Rescue Directory!

Need a Bird Rescue?
Search our Bird Rescue Directory!

What is included in the SPCA’s responsibility?

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Oct 2022 - SPCA’S RESPONSIBILITY

Image shared by Bethal SPCA

When you understand the mandate of the SPCA, you may be able to help animals more effectively.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which in short is SPCA, aims to protect all animals from cruelty, neglect and ill-treatment that often results from ignorance about animals and their needs, although it is no excuse. The SPCA has authority basically in terms of any animal’s welfare. The local municipality and police in each town are however responsible for certain complaints about animals like those causing a nuisance or disturbance of the peace.

You are always welcome to contact the SPCA to advise you or help where they can. It is however important to understand their mandate within the local municipality in terms of lost, found, stray or injured animals, selling, deceased and nuisance complaints.  There is more to the mandate than what we discuss below, especially when it comes to practices like hunting, performing animals in circus or aquariums, illegal wildlife trade next to the road and more.

JURISDICTION
Every SPCA has a jurisdictional area wherein they operate.  Contact your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA if there is not one nearby.

Some situations that may appear as though the SPCA must get involved, aren’t actually within their mandate. Their mandate is to prevent cruelty, and in a country that spans over a million square kilometers, their Inspectors must place their focus on cases where the Animals Protection Act is being contravened. Please consider the following guidelines:

Barking Dogs
Barking dogs does not fall within their mandate and you should contact your local Municipality or police station to lodge a formal complaint regarding barking dogs. If it sounds more like distressed barking, please contact the SPCA to investigate at that address.

Stray Animals
The local Municipality in each town is responsible for complaints regarding stray animals, which include animals in the street, animals causing a nuisance, or animals attacking people & other animals. Please contact your local Municipality or police station for assistance in this matter.

However, if you can enclose a stray, please do so and take the animal to the nearest SPCA. If a stray animal appears thin, sick, injured, or in distress, you should immediately contact your local SPCA emergency number! Call until they answer, don’t send a message and especially no emergencies via Facebook because these pages aren’t monitored 24/7.

Many of the SPCA, even though it is not part of their mandate, might pick up strays and especially those that are reported as being on the street for a long period as well as “power breeds” used for dog fighting.

If an animal is constantly on the street and you know who the owners are, you can contact the SPCA and request a proactive inspection at the owner’s home. Please do this to help the animal.

Deceased Animals
The local Municipality in each town is responsible for the collection of dead animals in puclic areas. If you do find a deceased animal lying in the street, please try and move the body out of the way.  It might be helpful to take a picture and send it to your local lost and found groups so they can give closure to someone whose pet was lost.

The Selling of Animals
The SPCA opposes the sale/trading of animals, however, it is not illegal to trade with domestic animals and therefore, they have no jurisdiction to intervene unless there are welfare concerns. There are certain regulations to be followed in terms of welfare which they can investigate and act upon. If you are unsure, rather let them investigate. In the case of any breeders (registered or backyard), they need the breeder’s address to conduct a proactive inspection (we often ask for this) which you can request or an inspection if you actually see welfare concerns including lack of food and water, distress, confinement, etc.

Side note: The selling of animals goes against Facebook community standards and should be reported to the Facebook group admins and Facebook itself.  If the seller does not mention a price in the post, ask for it in the comments and report that comment too.  If they use the word adoption, ask for their NPO/NPC registration number. If they can’t provide theirs or they have one and do not include sterilization and home checks, then they should not be using the word adoption.

MANDATE AND POWERS OF INSPECTORS
In South Africa, SPCA Inspectors are authorized in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (as amended) and the Performing Animals Protection Act No. 24 of 1935 (as amended) and undertakes most of all animal welfare investigations and prosecutions in South Africa.

This means that in terms of both the Acts mentioned above, qualified inspectors with magisterial authorization have the powers that include the obtaining of search and seizure warrants to enter any premises and seize any animal to prevent suffering. The SPCAs work with local law enforcement and when individuals are in contravention of the provisions of the Animals Protection Act, it can lead to an arrest, including the abondoning of an animal. Keep in mind it is not always as simple as to just remove an animal.

ABOUT SPCA OPERATIONS
The public can take animals to the SPCA that seem lost, abandoned or whose owners did not keep them safe in their yards. For animals in danger or injured, they will go out ASAP!

Pound period
When an animal is taken to the SPCA there is a pound period. The pound period is mainly determined by the local municipal bylaws for animals. According to these local laws the SPCA can either euthanize or adopt the animal out after the pound period. Pound periods can vary between SPCAs from 5 to 14 days. 

During the pound period, they do not advertise animals, but owners who have lost pets can contact them, send an email with pictures and details, but the best option is to visit the kennels to see if your pet has been taken to them. Follow up and visit frequently.  Remember that they work with many animals a day and different volunteers, so it is crucial that you go in to check.

Claiming your lost animal
Owners who claim these animals during the pound period might need to pay for sterilization, micro-chipping, collar ID deworming, vaccinations and pound fees per day, for their care. This will be determined by the SPCA’s policy.

If an owner claims the animal after the pound period, they will need to go through the adoption process.

When someone’s animal is constantly in the street.  Please take them to the SPCA as the owner can then explain to the SPCA why they allow their animals in the street, they will have to meet all the above requirements for claiming an animal and will be subject to a home check too.

Surrendering an animal
If you can no longer take care of your animal, you can surrender them to your nearest SPCA by signing a document that transfers ownership to the SPCA in a “no questions asked” kind of way. However, if you dump the animal in the street or leave them behind when you move and they find you, it is contraventions of the Animals Protection Act and will have serious repercussions.

Euthanasia
If your pet is suffering and or severely ill, please do not let them suffer any further because you can’t afford to put them to sleep.  You can surrender them to the SPCA at no cost (consider a donation though) to end their suffering humanely as soon as possible.

ALWAYS REPORT CRUELTY
Please report animal cruelty directly to your local SPCA. If you suspect cruelty or are unsure, please report it immediately so they can investigate. There is a legal process they have to follow which may include first only a notice to comply or a warning, etc.  The animal can’t just be removed without evidence, so report it even if you are unsure and when it happens again. Try to get evidence if you can do this safely.   All of this can speed up the process to remove the animal. These reports can be done anonymously.

Oct 2022 - SPCA’S RESPONSIBILITY

SPCA REPORT CRUELTY – Image as shared by Bethal SPCA

Please save the contact numbers in advance, especially the emergency ones!

Highveld Ridge SPCA (Evander):

  • Office: (082) 869 2350 / (017) 6322654
  • Emergency number: (082) 222 1122 / (067) 114 7206
  • info@hrspca.co.za

Bethal SPCA:

Before you blame the SPCA, please go and volunteer, to better understand.  Become a member so you can have a say through voting at the AGM. Please sterilize your pets, keep them safe in your yard, keep them healthy, meet their needs and also make sure your microchip is registered on multiple databases. 

Remember that when an animal is a “nuisance” to you, it is not the animal’s fault, but a human who failed them. Thank you to each who supports the reputable local animal welfare organizations, so they can continue the good work. Next week we will look at what to do if your pet dies at home.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

*Please note that I write this as someone who has been involved with the SPCA, but does not represent the SPCA here in any way.

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

Need to contact an Animal Welfare?
Search our Welfare Directory Listing!

Hot weather and your pets

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Photo by The Paw Company

When you are feeling the heat of the summer, so are they!

Even though many parts of the country have recently experienced lots of rain and cooler weather, the summer is here and protecting your pets from the heat is crucial for their well-being. Heatstroke is also a health risk!

Hot weather safety

Here are a few tips from the Humane Society to keep your pets safe in the heat:

  • Please make sure your pets/animals are sheltered from the elements.
  • They need 24 hour access to fresh, clean and cool water. Keep their bowls out of the sun.
  • Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, because overheating can kill them. The inside of a vehicle can reach high degrees in mere minutes, even with the windows cracked.
  • Take walks during the early morning or after sunset.
  • On very hot days, any outdoor exercise should be brief or only during the cooler hours of the day.
  • Test the pavement/ground/road with the back of your hand before you go for a walk. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Use the 5 second rule. If you can’t hold your hand on the road or pavement for 5 seconds, then it can potentially burn their paws and cause injury.
  • Never leave an animal out in the sun. Always ensure they have access to shade.
  • For those breeds with a thin coat or lighter skin, prone to sunburn, apply animal safe sunscreen.
  • Regulate the temperature inside your home. Use air-cons, fans, or give access to cooler areas like a basement or darker room with tile floors.
  • Take extra precautions with old, overweight or snub-nosed dogs in hot weather. Boston terriers, Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and Bulldogs are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Dogs with heart or lung diseases should be closely monitored.
  • Watch for signs of heat stroke. These include panting, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, rapid pulse, bright red gums, and blue tongue or lips.
  • Treat heat stroke immediately. Move them to a cool place and lower their body temperature with cool (NOT icy) water, then contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
  • Provide a safe dog pool to help them cool down. This should be supervised.

Why you should not shave your pet according to Dr. Karen Becker

Most cats and many dogs shouldn’t have their coats shaved, even during the heat of summer. It may seem counterintuitive, but your pet’s coat actually provides heat relief in warm weather.

Many long-haired cats can require regular brushing to prevent mats that ultimately lead to a “buzzcut”. As a general rule dogs shouldn’t be shaved, either; however, there are exceptions, such as dogs with chronic hot spots. Some dogs actually really like a very short coat; in this case, consider a “puppy cut”.

Photo by Dr. Karen Becker from Facebook page

The risk of flash flooding is also a reality. See some tips below on this.

Photo from The Paw Company Facebook page


It doesn’t matter what kind of weather we have, your animals should always be protected from the elements as you are responsible for them. If you see an animal that appears owner-less at the time, in danger, injured, in distress or one that is not protected from the elements, please contact your local SPCA immediately!

  • For South Africa visit the NSPCA website.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

Looking for a vet?
Search our Veterinary Directory!

Reporting animal emergencies & cruelty.

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How to report a stray animal emergency, suspected or confirmed cruelty?
There might come a time where you see an injured animal or one in danger and this week we will look at what to do in such a situation. This includes injured animals who appears to be without a caregiver in that moment or animals that appear to be in distress.

When you find an injured, abandoned or stray animal – How to report it?
Your own pet should be taken to your vet immediately.  Withholding medical care from your animals can possibly be reported as cruelty which is punishable by law.

  • Save your local SPCA and welfare organisation’s emergency numbers as well as the areas you frequently travel to.
  • If you find an animal that is abandoned, injured or in danger, please DO NOT LEAVE THEM!
  • Keep calm as the animal can feel your anxiety. Most of the time they are scared and might run away from you.
  • Never chase them as they can get injured further. If it isn’t safe for you nor the animal to approach, then keep an eye on them or follow from a distance until help arrives.
  • Call your nearest SPCA on their emergency number. Call until they answer. Don’t just send a message.  An animal’s life depends on it! They have to attend to sick or injured animals that do not appear to have an owner at the time.
  • Give an exact location. Drop a pin via WhatsApp, of the specific location or at least a specific address. Not just the house behind no 2 Spuy drive! The SPCA or other welfare organisations can’t drive up and down searching for a hurt animal 30 minutes after you sent a message, nor without a proper description. They rarely find the animal and it might be too late.
  • Give a proper description of the animal e.g. a black Labrador with a white patch limping in this area in this direction.
  • If you have a food and water rescue pack in your car, you can put it in a safe area for them. In general, we don’t advise giving food, but sometimes this animal has not had any for days or it can get the animal to come to you.
  • If you can get close or can move them out of harms way, do so and stay with them.
  • If you have something warm close by and they are cold, cover them.
  • Take them to the nearest veterinarian or SPCA if possible, as it will save time. The Vet will handle the emergency and contact the SPCA if needed.
  • If you hit the animal with your car, please do not drive off. Rather lie and say you found them than leave them to suffer and die!
  • Follow up until the animal is safe. You are at that time all they’ve got!

NOTE: Don’t report emergencies through Facebook as it is not monitored 24/7 and precious time could be lost.

Reporting confirmed or suspected cruelty to animals:
It is your moral duty to report cruelty to animals. If you are in doubt, still report it as a welfare check might be in order to confirm.

Cruelty to animals is a crime and is punishable by law!

Most organisations will require some paperwork for this, but it will stay confidential and will not be revealed to the accused.

  1. If it is safe for you to take video or pictures do so.
  2. Get the exact address or pin drop.
  3. Contact your local SPCA.
  4. Assist with the case where possible.

Do you know of an abandoned animal or saw one being dumped?
Abandoning an animal is an act of animal cruelty and an offence in terms of the Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962. If you see or know of someone who has moved and left their animals behind or who goes away for long periods of time and leave their animals alone or those who dump them somewhere, please report it!

Anyone can open a case of abandonment or cruelty at your nearest SAPS. Even if you think nothing will happen, you are creating a paper trail which could save an animal’s life in the future. You can also contact your local SPCA or other animal welfare organisations for guidance.

Thank you to each of you who are reporting cruelties or animals in distress. You can be the voice for the voiceless!

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

Looking for a Welfare?
Search our Welfare Directory!

Looking for a vet?
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Adopting a Pet (Part 1)

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Why saving a life though adoption is a great idea!
South Africa is overflowing with unwanted dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, even rabbits, birds and other animals. It’s sad to think that most of these animals in shelters will never experience a loving home and the security of a family they deserve. 

We have a massive overpopulation crisis on our hands because people: 

  • don’t sterilise their pets 
  • actively breeds animals 
  • support breeders/pet shops/animal dealers 
  • don’t take responsibility for their pets 
  • let their animals roam the streets 

The reality is that there are just not enough homes for all the animals. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born find a forever home and millions of animals are euthanized (put to sleep) every year. More unwanted animals end up as bait dogs/cats/rabbits for dogfighting or get passed from one owner to the other until they eventually, if “lucky” end up in a shelter instead. 

We understand that it seems easier to buy a pet, but let us share with you why buying a pet is part of the problem.  The pet industry in South Africa is not regulated and pet shops do not promote responsible pet ownership (sterilizations, home checks, etc.). They make their profits by promoting IMPULSE BUYING. These animals can also come from a questionable source.

What is Adoption? 
Many animals come in as strays found and other animals are dumped, abandoned or surrendered by their owners. If these animals are not claimed by their owners within the pound period, the shelter has two options namely, euthanize or adoption. Adoption is when you give an animal from a registered rescue organisation/shelter a second chance, as part of your family. You will pay an adoption fee and go through a process of responsible homing.

It is never just about a good home, but rather good placement for that animal! 
There are many BENEFITS to adopting. You not only save a life but will also make resources and space available for the next one to be rescued. If you can do the math, you know you will save money by adopting! Pets are good for our physical and emotional health and adopted ones for the most part are already “trained”. You also help to lighten the load of a shelter that rescues animals and make the rescuers go on for just one more day. 

Image: Rustplaas Dog Shelter

Things to consider before adopting:

  • Are you ready for a pet? 
  • Can you afford pet care in the long term? 
  • Have you researched their specific needs and can you meet these needs? 
  • Does the animal fit your family’s lifestyle?
  • If you live in a townhouse complex, written approval from the body corporate, that pets are allowed, must be obtained.   
  • Municipal By-laws must be adhered to with regards to allowed number of pets.  
  • You may never know their breed, medical history or behavioural history. 
  • You will have to pet-proof your home beforehand. 
  • Get the necessary items for your car and for travel. 
  • You will still need to buy beds, blankets, toys, leashes, deworm every 3 months, vaccinate every year, buy good food every month, this does not even include saving for an emergency!  
  • They need to be spayed/neutered and a form of identification added. 
  • Social animals should not be the only animals in the house.   
  • They might need some training and patients to build trust, more time to adjust and might not get along with all people or animals. 
  • If you think adoption fees are too expensive, then we will advise that you rather not get a pet.  If you do the math a responsible pet owner would do, then you will know that the adoption fee which includes sterilisation and more, is at least half the price you would normally pay for everything which is included and that is excluding the animal itself.  

Image by Best Behaviour now operating as Beyond Behaviour

Rescue is the best breed! We always advise you to go and meet the animals available at your local shelter.  Shelter pets are not broken, they were only failed by humans. Adopting an adult pet can even be better than a puppy. You might just fall in love with one that you never thought of. Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is however especially important. NEVER MAKE A DECISION based only on a dog’s LOOK or SIZE or BREED etc. The energy level of that animal should fit with that of your family.

If you like a particular breed, there are many different ones up for adoption through breed-specific rescues (e.g. google “Poodle” rescue SA).   Be careful with any organisations that do not do responsible homing which should include sterilisation and a home-check.

Changing a life through adoption is priceless! ADOPT DON’T SHOP!

Next week we will look at how the process for adoption works. 

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER! 

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

Looking to Adopt?
Search our Welfare Directory!