October 4 is World Animal Day – a day set aside to raise the status of animals and improve their welfare standards around the world. Animal welfare organisations, children and the community are encouraged to put together events to highlight the plight of animals – both domesticated and wild – all over the globe.
In South Africa, several organisations host events monthly to raise funds for abandoned animals and those who have been surrendered. Adopt don’t shop is their motto.
A troubling trend – regarding the increase in small animals being treated for broken limbs – has the Animal Welfare of Society (AWS) concerned enough to issue a warning on their Facebook page.
“The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa is very concerned at the sudden increase in small animals being admitted with broken limbs.Many of these pets were acquired as companions to keep young children “entertained” during the hard lockdown with little to no thought as to the pets needs and suitability,” said AWS.
The welfare organisation said they are seeing and treating a record number of small pets such as hamsters, rats and rabbits with broken and fractured limbs. On further investigation they found almost all of these injuries were caused by robust play and improper handling by over-zealous children left to their own devices.
“This is totally unacceptable. Some of our tiny patients have lost eyes whilst others have lost limbs which impact negatively on their quality of life.It is patently unfair that these pets should be paying the price for parental indifference and selfish human gratification,” they said.
AWS believe there are many pets who die and are then quickly replaced, which is shocking and disheartening.
“If the novelty of owning a high-maintenance pet like a rabbit or hamster wears off (as is very often the case) or parents notice untoward interactions we would rather that they surrender the pets to us instead of allowing them to suffer and be abused,” they concluded.
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