Municipality responds to allegations of animal neglect at its Pound

Focussing on the state of the Newcastle Municipal Pound, following a resident voicing her concerns over the manner in which the facility is being run, our editor investigated the matter.

According to the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, she recently visited the local Pound and was appalled by the animal’s living conditions. From overgrown grass to having no access to food and water, this local animal lover knew drastic measures were required to aid these destitute beings.

On Monday morning, 17 May 2021, conducting an unannounced visit. The editor found the gate for the facility locked, with staff on the premises shuffling between themselves, as no one had keys to open the gates.

With the overgrown grass painting a rather bleak image, the necessity to ensure the animals were not being neglected was essential. Therefore, the Head of Communications for Newcastle Municipality, Mlungisi Khumalo, was contacted to address the matter.

Meeting at the Municipal Pound, Khumalo and Siyabonga Zuma, the Chief of Environmental Health for the facility, opened up on the running of the Municipal Pound and the concerning allegations.

In terms of the overgrown grass, Zuma acknowledges the premises are untidy, and the necessary steps will be taken in the foreseeable future to address the matter. As for the allegations of animal neglect, Khumalo and Zuma deny anything of the sort. Zuma explains, “We have two employees, a field officer and a supervisor, who regularly attend to the animals on the property; they are here from 7.30 am until 4 pm. However, he affirms that there are times when they have to step out for work purposes, and it is only during this time that no one is available. “So we do not know where these allegations emanate from,” he declares.

Zuma allowed the editor of the Newcastillian – Online News access to the kennels, pointing out that water and food were available for the four puppies and one adult dog currently housed. “Due to the cold weather conditions, we have even supplied the puppies with blankets.”

“As a caring and loving municipality, we respect animal rights and treat animals with the respect they deserve,” says Khumalo. Further stating, if anyone does a thorough investigation of the Pound and finds the staff are indeed neglecting the animals, it is essential that they step forward so the government entity can address the issue.

Interestingly, Zuma highlighted that the Pound is not focused on animal welfare. However, when it comes to animals requiring medical treatment, “We do not have the resources or capacity to treat animals. However, we do have an arrangement with the local vets and SPCA, and if an animal does need treatment or is not claimed or adopted after a set period, the animal is euthanised.”

Khumalo reminds the community that while the Pound does not focus on animal welfare, it does play a key role in society. “If stray dogs are allowed to roam, they might become rabid or vicious, which might see people getting hurt.” Furthermore, he states, the municipality has not received many calls regarding stray dogs lashing out at people, which means the Pound is following its key mandate.

Zuma has further encouraged the public to contact him at his office if they have further queries or concerns. Siyabonga Zuma can be contacted on 034 328 7757.