Cape Town’s animal population is struggling to survive as powerful rainstorms and gale-force winds batter the province.
Also read: Animal Welfare Society flooded with calls as winter hits Cape Town
Operational Director of the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC), Kim Krynauw, is urgently appealing for community support following a series of massive waves that have pounded Hout Bay Harbour since Monday, 8 July.
‘Yesterday (Monday) we had a huge wave hit the centre,’ she said.
‘We managed to secure the big gaping hole as a temporary measure. We appeal to anyone in construction for urgent assistance to secure the centre’s wall bordering our seal pups’ sanctuary. We are ensured, so we’re not looking for freebies, but I do need to source quotes as we are struggling to keep our heads above water.’
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According to News24, the centre managed to hire some fencing and secure the wall, which was smashed out by the waves.
The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre depends on donations to support its efforts in aiding seals struggling to survive.
The centre has urged everyone to be vigilant for stranded and injured juvenile seals in the aftermath of the inclement weather.
The public is urged not to approach the seals and to contact the centre immediately upon encountering any.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has issued a statement announcing that an Orange level 6 warning is currently in effect.
‘Further rain will lead to large-scale flooding and possible mudslides, exacerbating the impacts of the inclement weather we’ve already experienced,’ said SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abrahams.
‘We are expecting these hazardous conditions to displace pets and farm animals who will be in desperate need of rescue and warmth.’
SPCA inspectors are collaborating with the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and have deployed teams to crisis areas.
‘We urgently need donations, oat hay for horses, horse blankets, blankets for cats and dogs, and dry dog and cat food to support the influx of animals,’ added Abrahams.
People are urged to please drop off any donations at the following stores:
- FairBridge Mall
- Durbanville
- N1 City
- Old Paarl (by the PnP Hyper)
- Plumstead
- Protea Heights (Boulevard Square)
- Rondebosch
- Tokai (Blue Route Mall)
- Checkers Bayside Mall
To report animals in distress to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA call 021 700 4158/9.
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Also read:
Severe storm causes widespread flooding on major routes in Cape Town
Picture: Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre / Facebook