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HARTENBOS NEWS - When animals need a safe haven amid the threat of a fire, even a garage will do the thing!
While mopping up operations continue following the Mossel Bay fires, incidents involving animal evacuations have been present throughout.
At one stage, the Hartenbos Animal Hospital's manager even had several cats, dogs and even chickens in her garage when they were evacuated from the hospital as a precaution.
Nearly 20 animals were evacuated from the hospital when fires surrounded Hartenbos Heuwels, Sonskynvallei and the Num Num and Renosterbos estates on Wednesday 8 January.
By Thursday morning, 9 January, however, the animals were safely returned to the hospital and some even released back into their owners’ care. The animal hospital told Mossel Bay Advertiser on Friday that several cats, dogs and wildlife including chickens and even a Cape fur seal were safely evacuated.
With assistance from staff members and volunteers, the animals and the necessary equipment were all moved to the manager, Christie de Graaff’s garage, where they spent the night.
Mossel Bay resident and photographer, Michael de Nobrega, took in the baby Cape fur seal. He is also a volunteer of the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (Smart) in Mossel Bay.
Video: Michael de Nobrega
De Graaff said it was a bit difficult. "One more dog was brought in just before we left and we had so many donations from the public that we obviously didn't want to leave behind."
Donations to Hartenbos Animal Hospital from the public following this week's vegetation fires in Mossel Bay.
The Hartenbos Animal Hospital has been overwhelmed by the generous donations from the public following this week's vegetation fires, and has asked that new donations rather be directed to the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch.
Fire-affected Mossel Bay residents who need assistance or temporary accommodation for their pets are welcome to bring their animals to the hospital, located in Boekenhout Avenue in Hartenbos Heuwels, where they will be well cared for.
VIDEO: Aftermath of Mossel Bay fires as seen from the air
Anyone requiring dog and cat food, blankets and other items, can pick up what they need at the Hartenbos Animal Hospital.
According to the latest report by the Mossel Bay Municipality at 07:30 today, Saturday, 10 January, there are no more active fires. Mossel Bay teams remain on alert, however, as winds of up to 30km/h are expected. Fire crews continued operations throughout the night in the fire affected areas.
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