Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Blanket drives see pets through winter
COVID-19’s economic impact has left many unemployed and unable to care for their pets.
The SPCA pound has experienced a spike in the intake of pets.
“Now more than ever, (there has been) an influx of surrenders to the SPCA pound, (putting a) strain on the already-stretched SPCA resources. We are asking the public to please support their local SPCA ,” said Tara McGovern from the SPCA communications, digital and resource development.
McGovern said there was a need for blankets in winter.
“We are running a winter #WarmHearts drive for blankets to help keep our rescue animals warm this winter. Winter is here and so many more animals will need refuge from the cold in the weeks to come.”
Emily Cox, an animal lover, took to social media to appeal for blankets to help with this problem.
Cox and her mother started The Animal Army, an organisation to support animal welfare organisations.
She has managed to raise almost R4 000. They have also collected close to 300 blankets and towels.
The Animal Army drop-off points are at Milnerton Vet shop at Ocean Square, Vet shop in Hout Bay at Mainstream Centre and Absolute Pets shop in Pinelands at Central Square.
Allan Perrins from the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa made an appeal for blankets for the many animals in its care and poor areas. “We have embarked on weekly mercy missions distributing pet food as well as food for families who have been left destitute following the lockdown.”
Animal lover Michelle Dumont is collecting blankets for the Uitsig Animal Welfare which she says has 121 dogs, 13 cats, and 45 rehab dogs.
“I have decided to include Mdzananda Animal Welfare in Khayelitsha and Philippi Animal Welfare, as they are also in desperate need of blankets, food and funds,” said Dumont.