The Western Cape is currently overcome with heavy rains, strong winds, flooding and cold fronts. The importance of staying safe is a top priority. Sadly, for many needy four-leggeds out there, finding shelter in the storm is entirely up to our efforts.
If you spot a needy animal battling the brunt of severe weather, and you are in a position to help them, here are 5 things you can do:
1. Make sure that you are safe first
Nature can humble us very quickly. Before taking action to save an animal in need, you need to ensure that you are in a safe position to do so. Make sure that you are safe from any falling debris, flooding, and other hazards before approaching the animal.
If you are not in a safe position to help, or the animal seems in any way hostile, call on animal rescue services (details down below) to assist.
Unsplash / Laula Co
2. Give them temporary shelter
If you are able to reach the needy cat, dog, or tame animal safely, your next step would be to provide temporary shelter.
Using a carrier, a sheet, or a blanket, move the animal to a dry, protected space. Preferably nearby, where you can keep eye on them. You can use your vehicle as a temporary shelter if nothing else is available.
3. Keep them warm and dry
Even with a furry pelt, animals can be vulnerable to the cold. Especially in severe cold weather that they are not typically used to. Use blankets, towels, or other materials to dry the animal and keep it warm. If the animal is wet, gently towel-dry it to prevent hypothermia. If the animal is skittish or afraid, lay down a towel or blanket for it lay on and maintain a safe distance away.
4. Set out some water for them
Set out a bowl of water for them to drink from. Stress can cause dehydration in animals. If you are dealing with a dog or a cat and have the appropriate food available, set out a bowl of food, too. If the animal is too afraid or in a bad way, it will not eat or drink.
Unsplash / Ben Collins
5. Call for a trusted rescue service
Once you have made sure that the animal is as safe and secure as it can be, without risking your safety, you will need to call on a trusted rescue service for help. You can find a list of South Africa’s contactable SPCA branches in this list, shared by Pet Health Care.
Many of the SPCA branches along the Western coast will likely be inundated with calls for aid during the severe weather now. If you are in the position to donate towards them, your contributions would go to a worthy cause. On Tuesday, Cape of Good Hope SPCA released a statement writing:
“We urgently need donations of blankets and dry food. We have been inundated with calls regarding animals left without shelter in this weather and flooding in informal farming areas. Unfortunately, it’s about to get much worse. We urgently need donations of blankets as well as dry dog and cat food to prepare for an influx of animals.”
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If you are stuck with an animal and the SPCA are not able to respond promptly enough, look at rescue shelters and organisations in the area. Track them down on Google, or on Facebook by posting to your local community group.
For injured or sick animals in Cape Town, George and Soweto, call on The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.
If the animal is wild…
Unsplash / Jay Ruzesky
Wild animals can be more unpredictable and may carry diseases. If you encounter a wild animal in need of urgent help during severe weather, do not make direct contact. Contact wildlife rescue organisations or local authorities for specialised assistance.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Emre
