Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/14/2008

Question
Please can you put me in touch with someone who can give us advice on animal policing. I am in SA and we have NOTHING in place...

This is a story I posted on my animal group PAWS tonight:

Chris was on his way to Tarlton yesterday morning when he found two dogs at the Midrand / PTA / Woodmead / JHB split... One was a Rottweiler and the other Weimaraner, obviously grew up together and had been dumped there.

As if this isn't bad enough, there is no one to friggin call to help. All animal lovers out there know what it's like to try help an animal in distress... it's near impossible. The more you call, the more they become frantic, because you're not the mom or dad of them. There are no SPCA's open on Sundays and after calling a 24 hour vet who said they'd call back and never did both these animals were separated on either side of the highway.

Chris called me whilst it was happening and I could hear the cars swerving. It's just not right. It's just not ethical. If you want to kill your animal, be man enough to do it yourself. Don't throw it on a highway to be petrified out of its mind, then get split up from the only other thing he has left. Chris said it was heartbreaking seeing one dog dodging cars going 140km just so it can be reunited with the other. The Rottweiler went into a veld toward Grayston by the highway and the other running toward Malboro. As if separation isn't enough, they have to face starvation and or being hit by a car.

I'm appalled that this still happens. An acquaintance told me the other day about driving behind someone who tossed a kitten out the window. I must ever see something like that and I will end up in jail.

So my question is this??? Is there no one who can be contacted in a hurry who is skilled in the art of capturing a frightened animal? Flip man... How can we not have something? If you know of anyone in any part of SA... Post to me and I will post on the group for everyone to save the numbers in their phone.

It's very sad to see that 200 meters down the highway there are 10 people pulled over for a guy who crashed his bike, but there is no one who can stand together for an animal. I shouldn't say no one, a lady stopped to speak to Chris and she also felt helpless to assist.

If you can assist with any information, please mail me.

Thank-you.

Answer
Cat:

 I'm sorry, this one is way out of my league.  I'm assuming 'SA' is "South Africa" but I'm not sure where you even are.

 You might try taking the story to the media for more exposure, or something like that.

 Many places don't have 24/7 'animal control' or ASPCA units, it's a money issue, plain and simple.  

 Sorry I can't be of more help but there isn't much I can provide.  I didn't want to use the standard 'rejection' email though.    

Jason