LANSDOWNE
41 Induland Cres. Lansdowne Ind. Since 1998
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TUESDAY 16 February 2021 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | Email: post@peoplespost.co.za | Website: www.peoplespost.co.za
@ThePeoplesPost
People’s Post
CAPE METRO
Strays increase in Cape SAMANTHA LEE-JACOBS SAMANTHA.LEE@PEOPLESPOST.CO.ZA @SAMANTHA_LEE121
W
ith an increase in stray animals, especially in the Cape Flats, pet owners should be weary of potential dangers for their pets – even if they are safely kept on your property. In a recent incident, a female pup lost her eye in a brutal attack when a stray animal charged through the door of her owner’s home and grabbed her. “The attack, that was over in a flash, was so intense and the lunge so forceful that it caused the puppy’s right eye to pop out of her socket,” relayed the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS) in a social media post aimed at creating awareness on the matter. “We managed to save the puppy’s life, but were unable to save the ruptured eyeball.” The incident has left the puppy with psychological damage and she will be scarred for life as a result of the attack. This is not an isolated instance, says the AWS. Since the beginning of the year, the hospital attached to the AWS has seen an increase in the treatment of mauled dogs. This is especially rife on the Cape Flats where a large number of feral and stray dogs roam. “Stray animals can be found in almost every suburb of the Cape Metro but there appears to be a proliferation in many parts of the Cape Flats and we would single out Delft as a particularly troublesome area,” says Allan Perrins, AWS spokesperson. Around 90% of strays have no identification which makes it almost impossible to link them to ownership. Unsterilised strays who over-breed also add to the increased number of feral and homeless cats and dogs. In 2011, the City of Cape Town surveyed the stray and feral population in the metro. At this stage it was estimated that there were 230 000 homeless animals roaming the streets. With factors including the overbreeding and recent financial burdens placed on families as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is estimated that this number has skyrocketed. Perins adds the impact of the pandemic is most felt by pets. “The negative impact of a protracted lockdown has hurt many households,” Perrins
Thanks to a team effort, an illusive stray named Joy could be rescued and treated at the Animal Welfare Society in Philippi. explains. The AWS assisted with food to pet owners who had fallen on hard times, but the demand quickly became too big. “We have come to the aid of a number of pet owners but have exhausted our resources. We are battling the consequences of a year like no other and it is heart-breaking. Pets are a definite casualty of Covid-19. The consequences are there for all to see and we foresee a lot more hardship before the light at the end of the tunnel shines again,” he says. Recently, the Strandfontein community policing forum also put a call out for donations of pet food, noting a similar struggle as a result of the lockdown. The lack of ability to continue to care for an-
imals is a contributing factor to homeless pets. But there is also hope for stray animals, especially when local heroes get involved. In a recent incident, Ottery couple Tony and Edith Van Der Rheede came to the rescue of an illusive pregnant stray dog roaming the streets. Feeding her and slowly building trust, it allowed the AWS to humanely trap and rescue her. She was named Joy. “Late on Friday evening (5 February) thanks to an amazing team effort, loads of perseverance and patience, we managed to tempt her into the trap and catch her,” AWS said in a statement. “Everyone involved with her rescue was re-
lieved and elated to know that she was finally off the streets and out of harm’s way.” Joy was taken to the AWS clinic where she was checked by the AWS veterinary team. At the time of her capture, Joy was suffering from a bad ear infection, tick-bite fever and was slightly under-weight. “There is barely a day that goes by without us responding to the plight of a sick or injured stray, homeless or feral animal,” Perrins says. With the animal in mind, Perrins says contacting the authorities is crucial in saving and rehabilitating stray animals. The organisation is also calling for donations and well-wishes that will be attached to her enclosure.
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