MOSSEL BAY NEWS - As a result of the devastating vegetation fire that broke out in Aalwyndal, Vakansieplaas (at the Vogelsang Landgoed) and Island View yesterday, 6 January, the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch and the Hartenbos Animal Hospital have taken in several animals, both wildlife and domestic, for safety and medical care.
Many of the animals rescued belong to the owners who have lost their homes in the blaze.
The Garden Route SPCA has taken in three dogs, eight birds and one tortoise, while the Hartenbos Animal Hospital had temporarily housed eight cats, two birds and 10 dogs, some of which were discharged this morning, 7 January.
Both facilities have confirmed that many of the animals have suffered from smoke inhalation, but had no other serious injuries.
Six Yorkie dogs are temporarily being housed at the Hartenbos Animal Hospital following the devastating fire in Aalwyndal and Island View. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
The animal hospital’s staff returned to the facility after hours last night to take in some of the animals affected by the fire. Sr Stefanie de Graaff told Mossel Bay Advertiser it was an all-hands-on-deck situation.
They also received some assistance from volunteers. “Everyone was so helpful. The staff was amazing and some pet owners even helped one another,” she said.
Elize Goosen, the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay’s branch manager, told the Advertiser because they are not conducting any surgeries at the moment, they have extra cages available for animals who need temporary housing.
The SPCA is conducting a search-and-rescue sweep of the scene today to assist with any more animals that might be lost or injured. So far, they have rescued several horses.
“We wanted to search for a lot more last night, but because of how strong the flames were and due to the concern for our own safety, we weren’t able to,” said Goosen.
Cheri Cooke, area manager of the SPCA, has urged any farmers who have cattle that have been affected by the fire to contact the animal shelter.
Photos of missing pets can also be shared with the SPCA, who will keep an eye out for these animals during their search-and-rescue efforts.
If your pet is showing signs of laboured breathing, coughing or wheezing, stumbling or weakness, irritated eyes or bright red gums, contact either the Hartenbos Animal Hospital (044 695 1086) or the Garden Route SPCA (072 287 1761) for advice.
About 10 dogs were taken in by the Hartenbos Animal Hospital. Photo: Hartenbos Animal Hospital
Both facilities have encouraged donations from the public in the form of dog and cat food, cat litter, dog beds, blankets and towels, as well as items for those residents who have lost their possessions in the blaze.
These items may be dropped off directly at the SPCA or the animal hospital. Should you be unable to deliver your donations there yourself, you are welcome to drop it off at the Mossel Bay Advertiser office in Church Street.
Enquiries: Susan Graaff on 044 690 7156/7.
Previous articles:
- Animals rescued as Mossel Bay fire rages
- Fire in Aalwyndal, properties at risk
- Mossel Bay fire update: Island View, Vakansieplaas, Aalwyndal residents being evacuated
- Mosselbaai-brande: Gryp kinders, hond, handsak, toe ontruim hulle hul Island View-woning
- MOSSEL BAY FIRE UPDATE: Active flare-ups in Aalwyndal, planes moved from hangars
- MOSSEL BAY FIRE UPDATE: More than ten homes destroyed as fire devastates Vakansieplaas
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