Adverse weather prompts Cape of Good Hope SPCA to take action for animal welfare

As severe weather continues across the Western Cape, the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is on high alert for animals in need of assistance. 

The Western Cape is bracing for even harsher conditions this weekend as another powerful cold front makes landfall early Saturday, bringing widespread showers, plummeting temperatures, and potentially even snow to the region. 

According to the South African Weather Service (Saws), the cold front is expected to move across the province from the morning, with adverse conditions likely to persist into Monday. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Saturday, with 10 to 20 mm over the western parts of the Western Cape and 30 to 40 mm in mountainous regions.

“When the weather turns against us all, you’ll find the SPCA out in it. Wet. Cold. Determined. Our presence on the frontline is not just about animal welfare—it’s part of building a safer, more compassionate city for everyone,” spokesperson Belinda Abraham said. 

Working in close liaison with the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspectors have their finger on the pulse of every red alert. 

SA“This partnership has allowed us to act quickly in high-risk areas, relocating farm animals to higher ground, walking flooded paths to reach animals shivering in inadequate shelters, and bringing some in for safekeeping when no other immediate remedy is available,” Abraham said. 

She said at this stage, the City of Cape Town has not activated a Joint Operations Centre (JOC). However, should this occur, the SPCA’s trained first responders will serve on the JOC to represent animal welfare alongside emergency teams, including local law enforcement, disaster management, the fire department, and traffic services. 

Abraham said this ensures animal welfare is fully integrated into coordinated emergency planning and that response remains rapid and effective where needed most.

“Our Inspectors are on high alert and ready to respond at a moment’s notice should a JOC be activated and a crisis response become necessary. We have taken in some animals for safe-keeping, but we are not yet experiencing a mass influx of animals to our facilities. We’re urging all pet owners to take immediate, responsible steps to protect animals from the approaching severe weather,” Abraham said. 

The SPCA is appealing to all pet owners to:

• Bring pets indoors wherever possible - even a garage or covered stoep can make all the difference.
• Ensure outdoor kennels are waterproof, insulated, and raised off the ground.
• Check bedding daily - it must be clean and dry. Wet bedding leaches body heat and can lead to hypothermia, illness, and preventable death.
• Provide food and clean water in sheltered areas.
• Provide windproof shelter for farm animals and horses.
• Ensure hay or feed is stored off the ground and kept dry. Animals require more food in colder weather to maintain body temperature.
• Check and top up water troughs regularly - rain can dilute or contaminate water, and freezing temperatures can cause troughs to ice over.
• Inspect fences and gates for damage caused by wind or water, especially electric fencing, which may short out in wet conditions.
• Remove excess mud and manure from around shelters or feeding areas to reduce the risk of hoof rot and other infections.

“We are also calling on the public to stay vigilant and report any animals in distress due to the weather,” Abraham said. 

For assistance, advice, or to report animals in distress, contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA at 021 700 q4158/9. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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