The Recession
People are not the only ones suffering from the current economic recession in South Africa - local dogs and cats are victims also.
The real-life consequences of our economic plight have hit animals hard. The relinquishment rate to animal shelters has skyrocketed, people living on fixed incomes can no longer afford dog and cat food and animals are being abandoned in foreclosed homes that people were forced to leave.
Most shelters in South Africa currently experience a decrease in the number of animals adopted, but the number of dogs/cats being brought in and surrendered by their owners is going up.
The most common reasons why people take their pets to shelters are:
Breeding:
You will find a lot of irresponsible breeders/back yard breeders who think they are going to make a "quick buck" by breeding with their female dogs. Most of these breeders don't establish first whether or not there is a demand for a specific breed of dog. Eventually they cannot find homes for the puppies, and what do they do? Take them to the nearest SPCA.
Backyard breeding is the biggest factor that contributes to the overpopulation of pets. Over a million domestic pets are euthanized by animal shelters in South Africa yearly. Please think before you breed!
Emigration:
South Africans are leaving the country at an alarming rate to seek "greener pastures" in other countries like Australia and New Zealand.
But what about their beloved pets?
Quarantine laws in some countries can be traumatic to pets and owners, so to avoid stress, the pet is surrendered to an animal shelter. It is also very expensive to take your dog/cat with you to another country. But the question is: Is it always in the best interest of the animal to take him to a shelter? For example: Who will be willing to adopt a relatively old dog/cat? Yes, one might find someone, but it's not going to be easy to find such an old pet a good home. Is pet euthanasia not maybe a more humane option to consider when you are emigrating?
Cost of Pet Maintenance:
Let's face it. If you want to take proper care of your dog/cat, it's definitely not cheap. Veterinary costs which includes sterilization/castration, treatments of sick/injured dogs/cats and annual vaccinations are increasing each year. Even pet food is not a cheap item anymore - especially if your dog/cat have special dietary needs like pets with skin conditions/diabetes. In these cases you have to feed your dog/cat prescribed veterinary food.
At first, most people don't realise the actual cost of a pet and only realise later on that they are not prepared to take on the financial responsibility for their pets. What do they do? Take them to the nearest SPCA. Hopefully, the dog/cat will find a new owner who are prepared to take full responsibility in every way.
Changed circumstances:
Due to the recent recession, some of us found it very hard to maintain our living standards. Some people lost their jobs and since they could no longer afford to pay the rent on their houses/townhouses, were forced to move to a small flat/granny flat where, in most cases, their beloved pets are not allowed.
Elderly people are sometimes forced to give up their homes due to sudden illness and then they must move to an old aged home. Most Old Age homes don't allow pets. This is such a shame as animals are therapeutic to old aged people and give them something "to live for".
Due to these unforeseen circumstances, some people are forced to surrender their once beloved pets to a shelter.
Bank Details
Absa
Account: 4059749310
Branch: 580105
Reference: 50003950025
(Manual Payments)
Investec Private Bank
Account: 50003950025
Branch: 580105
(Internet Payments)
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