As an animal lover, having to witness lifeless animals left in the middle of the road always affects me, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Leigh-Ann Londt. And what happens to those who are still alive after being hit? They often die a slow, painful death or would have to suffer through their injuries.
Pulling over where it’s safe to do so and making a call to the nearest vet or shelter for assistance is the first step to showing kindness towards animals.
*This article contains graphic imagery that might upset sensitive readers
Earlier today, the Animal Welfare Society of SA rescued an injured female Dutch Quacker duck from the busy N2 highway. The duck was allegedly hit by a car and was found sitting injured and dazed on the centre line of the N2 at the bottom of Sir Lowry’s Pass.
The entire left side of her face and beak took the brunt of the knock and she was covered in blood. Both of her wings had been clipped so she was unable to fly out of harm’s way as the cars and trucks passed her by dangerously and at high speeds.
“Her obvious predicament and conspicuous injuries including a soup plate-sized puddle of bright red blood made no difference to speeding motorists one of whom was observed driving over her whilst switching lanes!”, says the Animal Welfare Society of SA.
“Rescuing any animal from a National Road is extremely risky and should never be attempted by anyone inexperienced or ill-equipped as things can go horribly wrong but thankfully we were well prepared and managed to safely pull over in a nearby lay-by, slow down the traffic and quickly pluck her to safety”, the AWS SA adds.
Luckily for the duck, her injuries are not life-threatening and the Animal Welfare Society of SA looks forward to her
inclusion in their little flock of rescued ducks later today.
Picture/s: Supplied