The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recently held a Durban & Coast SPCA Kennels Sleepover at the charity’s Spring Park premises in Durban. This sleepover saw residents brave the kennels overnight and then ‘bailed’ out to give back to animals in need. The association, an NGO was able to raise R 173 000 through the participants, the event also coincided with International Homeless Animals Day, a day to educate people about homeless and abandoned animals as well as the importance of spaying and neutering domestic animals. Durban & Coast SPCA spokesperson Tanya Fleischer explained that the SPCA sees more than 130 000 homeless animals through its doors each year. The event at Springs Park proved a great success.
“We were blown away by the support and love shown by our guests. They were committed to raising funds and awareness for the plight of homeless animals in Durban. In total, we had 14 guests sleeping over, and combined, they have raised more R173 000 for the animals at our SPCA. “There were a number of awards and fun and games throughout the event. Those who slept overnight had visitors, and we had them vote for the ‘best-dressed’ kennel, they enjoyed watching our sleepover guests play a few fun games and were entertained by music from Underground Radio,” she said. Fleischer added that some of the participants also wrote poems about being in their kennel. For local resident Senta Seele, the event marked her third time sleeping in the kennels overnight.
The event was heart warming and shows the support of the kennel occupants for the destitute animals. The destitute would be, cats, dogs and the like. The event itself was interesting with the occupants in cages, while being entertained through the games and music. There is a lot of concern for animals on the streets and the future of their welfare. When they refer to neutering or spaying, they are referring to the sterilization of dogs. This may seem like a painful and harsh process in terms of castration for male dogs and the removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs but it is necessary to cull the population of dogs on the streets. Experiencing a night in the kennels for dogs and cats taken of the streets is a good form of raising awareness and empathy for potential companions.
Meanwhile the quality of Durban’s beach water remains a cause for concern.
Negative publicity surrounding Durban’s beaches is creating significant challenges for the tourism industry throughout KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), including areas where beaches remain unaffected. On July 3, the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology conducted water quality tests at several popular Durban beaches. Contrary to data from the local municipality, the IWWT report revealed that 11 out of the 14 beaches tested had critical levels of E. coli and recommended avoiding these beaches for recreational purposes. E. coli levels are measured per 100 ml of water: 0-130 indicates ideal water quality, below 200 is acceptable, above 200 is poor, and above 400 is critical, meaning the beaches should not be used for recreational activities.
The IWWT researchers found critical E. coli levels at Umdloti Beach, Glenashley Beach, Virginia Beach, Umgeni River, Umgeni River Mouth, Laguna Beach, Country Club Beach, Bay of Plenty, Addington Beach, and Ushaka Beach, all exceeding 400.
The alarm bells are ringing about the state of Durban beaches. It would not be a good idea to take you children swimming if their health could be at risk. The risk of contracting e Coli could point to negligence on the part of humans in conserving the beaches from the spread of harmless pollutants and bacteria. The risk of catching e Coli can be attributed to swimming in open polluted and unclean water that is exposed to waste. E coli in large quantities is a risky bacterium that leads to symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Severe illness is likely to be caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The municipality needs to focus on waste management in the wider eThekwini region.
The IWWT researchers need to focus on limiting the spread of the e Coli in the water. But right now, it would be best not to take your loved ones for a day at the e Coli infested beaches mentioned above during the holidays.
It won’t be enjoyable for the holidays.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
