RESEARCH by health professionals responsible for the welfare of animals has revealed that there are approximately 4 million dogs and cats that are crowded and abandoned in different areas in South Africa.
It has also been revealed that out of those homeless animals kept in them, there are approximately 3.4 million homeless and 650,000 who have gone to shelter anywhere, which points to the challenge that comes with society every day.
It is for this reason that the organization responsible for the welfare of animals in the world, FOUR PAWS, has called for this situation to be corrected, especially since today (April 4) is a day called World Stray Animal Day, the purpose of which is to warn people about the dangers of neglecting their livestock, which can be dangerous for them and for the environment itself.
The Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, Mrs Fina Miles, said that the biggest problem with this situation is that if dogs and cats go up and down in the community, without attention from people – it is not only a problem for other animals, but it also puts people at risk.
“People are at risk of being bitten by these animals, which can put them at risk of contracting infectious diseases, and it is also dangerous for the environment itself. This is why solutions are needed immediately,” he said.
He said the problem of rabies, which is acquired through dog bites, is one of the most serious problems in South Africa, as research shows that the number of people who get it is increasing every year.
He revealed that in the research they did on the impact of this situation, they found that in Limpopo there were 98,743 cases of animal bites between 2011 and 2023, and 32 people died of rabies – indicating the severity of the situation.
“That’s why we urge the government to look into this situation, to find ways to ensure that everyone who keeps animals keeps them in a proper and secure place – which can help us lead by example in this situation, and protect animals and people themselves,” urged Mrs. Miles.
He lamented that another thing that makes this situation uncontrollable is that these animals go to breed anywhere because no one is paying attention to them.
“It is necessary to take care to prevent this situation from spreading by people paying attention to their livestock, and always making sure to follow the vaccination program so that these animals remain in a good and healthy condition,” advises Mrs. Miles.
Here’s what FOUR PAWS thinks might help in this situation:
- Laws governing the way people must raise their livestock have not been enforced.
- The program of vaccinating livestock is strengthened and that they are kept safe at home, and care is taken to seek help if someone is bitten by a certain animal.
- The private sector, the public and the government are working together to stop this situation.