Lost your pet in the fireworks? SPCA numbers and the 7-day rule
SPCAs in Cape Town and Durban are taking in frightened strays after Guy Fawkes and Diwali. Here are the numbers to call, what to do to find your pet, and why you shouldn't wait longer than 7 days.
If your dog or cat ran off during Guy Fawkes or Diwali fireworks, check your local SPCA in person as soon as you can. The Durban & Coast SPCA says it must keep a stray for 7 days, and after that the animal becomes the SPCA's property and can be put up for adoption (Durban & Coast SPCA).
SPCAs in Cape Town and Durban have been busy since the fireworks. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA logged 81 calls on Guy Fawkes night on 5 November, up from 51 last year, a 59% rise (IOL). The Durban SPCA took in 25 animals during and after Diwali celebrations on Sunday, 8 November, mostly dogs and cats from areas including Chatsworth, Phoenix, Verulam and the Bluff (ECR).
In Delft, a dog that tried to escape the noise by squeezing through a locked security gate was badly injured and had to be euthanised, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said (IOL).
Who do I call?
| SPCA | Office number | After hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cape of Good Hope SPCA (Cape Town) | 021 700 4140 | 083 326 1604 |
| Cape of Good Hope SPCA, to report an animal in distress | 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159 | 083 326 1604 |
| Durban & Coast SPCA, lost and found | 031 579 6525 | 083 212 6103 (emergencies) |
| Johannesburg SPCA | 011 681 3600 | 083 604 1172 |
Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA, IOL, Durban & Coast SPCA, Johannesburg SPCA.
In Durban you can also email a photo and details of your pet to [email protected] (Durban & Coast SPCA).
What should I do to find my pet?
The Durban & Coast SPCA gives this advice (Durban & Coast SPCA):
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Ask around | Check with neighbours and post a photo on social media and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups |
| Call vets | Phone the vet practices near you in case your pet was injured and taken in |
| Visit shelters | Go to SPCAs in your area and further away, because it is easier to identify your pet face to face than over the phone |
| Act quickly | Don't wait a couple of weeks, because of the 7-day period |
What happens to a stray at the SPCA?
At the Durban & Coast SPCA, a stray is documented, given a health check and scanned for a microchip. If it has a chip, the owner is contacted. If not, staff check it against lost reports. If no owner is found, it is kept for 7 days unless it is severely injured or ill (Durban & Coast SPCA).
That is why a microchip helps. The Durban & Coast SPCA says it microchips pets for as little as R220 (Durban & Coast SPCA).
I found a scared dog. What should I do?
The SPCA advises against approaching an unknown dog or cat yourself, because you could be bitten or scratched. Call your nearest SPCA so a trained inspector can collect it, and ask around the area to see if anyone is missing a pet (Durban & Coast SPCA).
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has asked residents to look out for animals that may still be frightened, injured or displaced after Guy Fawkes (IOL).
FAQ
How long does the SPCA keep a stray pet?
The Durban & Coast SPCA says it keeps a stray for 7 days. After that the animal becomes the SPCA's property and can be adopted, so owners should check quickly.
What is the Cape Town SPCA's number?
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA's office number is 021 700 4140, and its after-hours number is 083 326 1604. To report an animal in distress, call 021 700 4158 or 021 700 4159.
How do I report a lost pet to the Durban SPCA?
Call the Durban & Coast SPCA's lost and found line on 031 579 6525 or email a photo and details to [email protected], then visit in person.
What is the Johannesburg SPCA's number?
The Johannesburg SPCA's number is 011 681 3600, and its after-hours number is 083 604 1172.