Pet abandonment soars following move to lockdown Level 3

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha has expressed concern after many abandoned pets have been pouring into the clinic since the move to lockdown Level 3.  

Fundraising and Communications Manager Marcelle du Plessis said the economic impact must have taken a great toll to the point where people can no longer take care of their animals. 

INCREASE IN PET HANDOVERS UNDER LEVEL 3

Du Plessis said there were barely any pet handovers during the lockdown, which the clinic found to be quite strange.

“We believed the decrease in handovers was due to people being at home more and having time to bond with their pets,” said Du Plessis. 

“However, as soon as lockdown level 3 came into effect, the pets started pouring in. We are not sure what changed. We can only think that the economic impact has now taken a great toll, forcing people to hand over their animals as they can no longer look after them,” added Du Plessis. 

THREE PUPPIES BORN IN THE COLD AND RAIN 

Last week a homeless female dog was found behind the Khayelitsha braai stands. 

“She had just given birth to three puppies in the cold and rain. They were taken to Mdzananda where they received medical care, a warm bed and nutritious food. They named the mom Hazel,” said Du Plessis. 

In the same week, the clinic received a second female dog with nine puppies, a third with ten puppies, two puppies in a box and two older dogs, to name a few. By Thursday last week, the shelter facility was at its capacity. The past weekend’s severe weather also flooded the shelter unit.

“Our shelter and office flooded. Our homeless dogs were all moved into our hospital facility until the water dries up. This, however, puts a strain on our hospital space as we are full to the brim with patients,” said Du Plessis.

In winter the clinic sees an increase in pet patients. There are more pets with hypothermia and pets with broken bones from reckless drivers knocking them over in bad weather. 

“Our expenses always increase in winter — we need to have lights on longer, heaters on to keep the pets warm and more pet patients, but with the unexpected abandonments, it is even higher.”

It costs the clinic around R1 500 to care for an abandoned pet in its first month with them, while many end up staying much longer.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP THE MDZANANDA ANIMAL CLINIC 

The animal clinic is calling on the public to assist during this time. If you are able to help care for the abandoned pets, please make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic. The banking details are as follows: 

• Standard Bank;
• Account number: 075595710;
• Branch: Rondebosch;
• Branch Code: 025009;
• Savings account;
• Reference: Winter +Your Name.

SnapScan and other donation portals can be found here.

The clinic has also asked people to open their homes to foster animals. This will open space in their shelter facility to take in more animals in need instead of having to direct them to other animal welfare organisations.

To get in touch please contact info@mdzananda.co.za or visit www.mdzananda.co.za