Freedoms to be enjoyed by a happy pet
The Boksburg SPCA exists for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
This is the main function of the SPCA as an organisation and the reason they employ inspectors who carry out animal cruelty complaints and inspect any areas where animals are kept, housed or sold.
But it goes further than that.
Maggie Mudd, manager of the Boksburg SPCA, explained that the society also considers an animal’s mental and physical state to be important. She said there are ‘five freedoms’ that are vital to an animal’s well-being.
It is accepted that an animal should have:
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst and have ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from discomfort, by having an appropriate environment that includes shelter from the elements and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease, by ensuring that any animal diagnosed as sick or injured receives the correct treatment rapidly .
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour, by providing sufficient space for the animal to move around in proper facilities for the type of animal and by providing company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress, by ensuring that animals live in conditions and receive treatment that avoids mental suffering.
“We feel that these are five things that animals really should have access to in their daily lives anyway,” said Maggie.
If members of the public become aware of any animals (not just domestic) that don’t have these five freedoms, they can bring this matter to the Boksburg SPCA’s attention. The office contact number is 011 916 5906/7. For any after-hour emergencies they can be contacted on 083 763 6311.
