The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is urging animal lovers to consider adoption this winter as a seasonal drop in adoptions coincides with a growing number of animals needing rescue and care.
According to the organisation, adoptions decline by an average of 14% during the winter months, with the worst month over the past three years recording a drop of more than 30%. At the same time, the SPCA continues to admit around 75 stray, abandoned and surrendered animals every day.
Winter Brings Fewer Adoptions and More Animals in Need
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says the trend is consistent year after year.
“Fewer people adopt in winter. Over the past three years that pattern has been consistent; June, July and August are reliably our lowest adoption months, while November, December and January are our strongest,” said Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham.
While fewer families are adopting pets during winter, the organisation’s intake of vulnerable animals remains high.
Many animals arrive injured, neglected, abandoned or surrendered by owners who are no longer able to care for them. Others are transferred from welfare organisations that require assistance.
Winter Storm Rescue Added to Growing Pressure
The strain on resources increased significantly following two major rescue operations in recent weeks.
During Cape Town’s severe winter storm, SPCA inspectors rescued 50 animals from dangerous conditions.
Some animals were found exposed to heavy rain and cold temperatures, while others had been left chained outdoors or sheltering under makeshift structures.
Just over a week later, inspectors seized another 24 animals from an alleged illegal backyard breeding operation in Dunoon.
“This is why the winter decline in adoptions matters,” Abraham said.
“We are still admitting an average of 75 animals a day. Then a storm happens, or a major cruelty case, and many more arrive at once. When fewer animals are being adopted, the operational pressures build very quickly.”
Rescue Animals Waiting for New Homes
Among the animals rescued during the recent storm was Meisie, a mother dog found caring for her newborn puppies in a kennel that offered little protection from the cold and rain.
One puppy had already died before inspectors arrived. Despite the harsh conditions, Meisie continued caring for her surviving litter.
Other animals currently available for adoption include Stormy and Paddington, both of whom have overcome significant challenges.
Stormy, a dog, and Paddington, a cat, each suffered severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of a limb.
Following surgery and rehabilitation, both animals have recovered and are now ready to find permanent homes.
“There are animals like Meisie, Stormy and Paddington waiting in our adoption centre now,” Abraham said.
“They are ready. We need people to come and meet them.”
Animals Rescued From Dunoon Still Recovering
The animals seized from the alleged backyard breeding operation remain under veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
The SPCA says they will become available for adoption once they have recovered and are medically cleared.
What Happens When You Adopt From the SPCA?
The organisation says every animal adopted through the Cape of Good Hope SPCA receives comprehensive care before being placed with a new family.
This includes:
- Veterinary treatment
- Vaccinations
- Deworming
- Sterilisation
- Microchipping
Animals are also assessed by qualified animal behaviourists, who help match pets with suitable owners.
The adoption process includes:
- Home inspections
- Post-adoption follow-ups
- Ongoing support for adopters
SPCA Appeals for Support During Winter
While the organisation cannot definitively explain why adoption numbers fall during winter, the pattern repeats annually at the same time that cold and wet weather places more animals at risk.
“We cannot leave an animal behind because our kennels are full,” Abraham said. “When an animal needs protection, we have to be ready. Adoption helps make that possible.”
As winter continues, the SPCA is encouraging people who have been considering adopting a pet not to wait.
“The animals need homes now,” Abraham said. “The inclement weather won’t stop soon. Our cruelty response won’t stop. What we are asking is that the adoptions don’t stop either.”
People interested in adopting a pet can view animals currently available through the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s adoption appeal campaign, including several animals rescued during recent winter emergencies.
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