MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Since 6 May, the Garden Route SPCA's Mossel Bay branch team has been out in the field, weathering the heavy rains and strong winds to rescue the animals affected by these adverse conditions and assist community members in keeping their animals safe.

The Garden Route SPCA's spokesperson, Isabella Bloem, said both the Mossel Bay and George teams have been monitoring high-risk and flooded areas, responding to welfare complaints, assisting owners with their animals, and bringing vulnerable animals in for safekeeping where needed.

"During this time, we have assisted numerous animals - from dogs and cats to pigs and other vulnerable animals affected by the extreme weather conditions," she said.

The Mossel Bay branch has made several posts on its Facebook page documenting the difficult conditions, including working with the owners to free their pigs from some flooded pens in KwaNonqaba and helping them to higher ground in Great Brak River.

Sabata Mathobisa of the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch in one of the flooded pigpens in KwaNonqaba. Photo: Supplied/Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay 

The SPCA has gone out to several areas across Mossel Bay, including Brandwag and Little Brak River, and braved dangerous conditions to save the animals and help the community. 

"Many of our staff members have risked their own safety while responding to emergencies, often working long hours in terrible weather conditions to make sure the animals receive help."

Bloem said due to the severe weather, both SPCA branches were closed on Monday 11 May; however, she assured the public that the animals at both remain safe, warm and cared for, and that the staff needed to return to their own homes to ensure the safety of their families during these conditions.

Inspector Mariaan Wentzel inspects a dog in the Mossel Bay area. Photo: Supplied/ Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay

She thanked the community for heeding the calls on the SPCA's Facebook page asking for donations of food and blankets to help the many animals in the kennels over the last two weeks, but added that they are still in need of pig food, blankets, pet food, towels, old dog kennels or shelters, or any materials the SPCA can use to build a shelter. 

She further requested that these items be dropped off at the SPCA at 18 Bill Jeffery Street, Boplaas, Mossel Bay, as the team does not have the resources to pick up any items during this period.

"Community support and communication remain critical during this time and allow us to reach animals faster and provide assistance where it is needed most," Bloem said.

She added that the SPCA would appreciate donations of pet food, pig feed and blankets to help the organisation continue its work and ensure the animals remain warm and cared for. Contact the office on 044 693 0824.

For emergencies, contact the SPCA on 072 287 1761.

Remas inspects a pig in a pen in KwaNonqaba. Photo: Supplied/Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay

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