Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The destructive vegetation fires that tore through Mossel Bay this week left hundreds of dead wild animals in its wake.
The Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch's team came across this devastating sight time and time again this week, said the branch's manager, Elize Goosen.
The SPCA shared heartbreaking photos of one of its search-and-rescue operations in Aalwyndal on Thursday 8 January.
The team has been on the ground searching for missing or injured animals, both wild and domestic, since Wednesday 7 January. A vegetation fire which started on farmland next to the N2 near KwaNonqaba on Monday 5 January, had spread to Aalwyndal, Island View and Vakansieplaas on Tuesday.
Majority of the wildlife discovered during the SPCA's search-and-rescue operations had perished in the fire. Much of what was found was only the skeletons of animals which were unable to escape the blaze.
Goosen and Kay Ievers, kennel manager of the SPCA, told Mossel Bay Advertiser that it has been an emotional few days for the team and volunteers.
"We found a lot of wildlife just... gone," said Goosen. "It's the worst to see that." The surviving animals were rescued and are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the SPCA.
Cheri Cooke, area manager of the SPCA, with three rescued tortoises. Photo: Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay/Facebook
The SPCA had planned to stay in the Aalwyndal area for most of Thursday, but decided to pause the operation due to the smoke and small flare-ups which ultimately became bigger after 14:00, this time spreading near Sonskynvallei, Hartenbos Heuwels and the Renosterbos and Num Num estates.
They went out to affected areas again today, Friday, 9 January.
Members of the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch on the scene on Tuesday with buckets of water, helping with firefighting efforts and searching for lost or injured animals. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
Since Tuesday night the SPCA as well as the Hartenbos Animal Hospital have taken in several pets belonging to residents whose homes were lost to or threatened by the fires, for safety and treatment for smoke inhalation.
Ievers, who is an animal lover and pet owner herself, said it is incredibly sad to see people having to leave their animals in someone else's care.
"You drop them off, you don't know what's happening with your home, you're worried about your pets. Honestly, it breaks my heart," she said. But she also assured them that their animals were well taken care of.
Wild and domestic animals currently housed at the SPCA include tortoises, chickens, dogs and cats. Residents who wish to temporarily house their pets at the SPCA are welcome to do so, as the facility still has enough space available.
The SPCA has 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.
Goosen also encouraged people to phone the SPCA's office to find out if there are specific needs.
Elize Goosen, SPCA branch manager, told the Advertiser that hundreds of wildlife have died in the vegetation fires. Photo: Photo: Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay/Facebook
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 in Mossel Bay (072 287 1761) for advice.
According to the Mossel Bay Municipality's latest update at 12:20 today, there are no active fires as firefighting crews continue with mop up operations and monitoring of hotspots.
One lucky tortoise recovered in Aalwyndal yesterday. Photo: Cameron Squire
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