Since the beginning of May, the Animal Welfare Society has seen an enormous increase in the number of pets suffering from mostly avoidable broken or fractured limbs needing complex, expensive orthopaedic surgery and extended post-operative rehabilitation.

The reasons for the upsurge can be ascribed to a seasonal increase in motor vehicle accidents and the local SPCA and several other animal welfare organisations currently being without the capacity or capability to effectively treat these patients resulting in them being referred to the Animal Welfare Society.

Tending to the needs of these trauma patients that require prompt non-elective surgery has placed our busy Hospital Team under enormous pressure and taken its toll on our already over-stretched budget.

“Whilst this is no time to play the “blame game” we do appeal to all pet owners to take every reasonable precaution to keep their pets safely confined to their properties”, says the Animal Welfare Society.

“We do plan for seasonal caseload increases but this year’s early and abundant winter rains appear to have wreaked havoc on our roads to the detriment of many animals so we also appeal to all motorists to be extra vigilant for stray animals and errant wildlife on our roads.”

“Hit and run” cases are the most tragic and injured animals should never be left to suffer and die on the side of the road.

Anyone needing our help regardless of the time of day should please call (021) 692 2626 during office hours or 082 601 1761 after hours. Help will be dispatched.

Picture/s: Supplied

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