Dog starves due to Covid-19
Yoliswa Makalima, a resident from the Khayelitsha community, visited the Mdzananda Animal Clinic to hand her dog over. Her dog, a small Staffordshire bullterrier cross named Nonjana, was extremely skinny, spine and bones protruding. Yoliswa was handing her over because she had no money to feed her dog and wanted Nonjana to have a better life.
“She is such a sweet girl,” said Ms Makalima. “I really don’t want to let her go.”
Yoliswa lost her job due to Covid-19 restrictions and her income is down to zero. She is the only income earner in her household. She worked as a cashier at a grocery store.
“We could see Yoliswa didn’t want to lose her dog. She clearly loved Nonjana. We decided to help her keep her dog,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager of Mdzananda Animal Clinic.
The Clinic had received dog food donations specifically for people like Yoliswa. They gave her a bag of dog food and admitted Nonjana to their hospital for sterilisation, free of charge.
“We don’t usually offer free services,” says du Plessis, “but we will never turn a suffering pet away.” At our clinic we charge just R150 for an operation. These operations can cost us anything from R350 to R5000. We believe that charging a small fee helps to create pet owner responsibility. If people are not able to pay that fee, we ask them for any financial contribution they are able to make.
Ms Makalima wanted to share her story so that she could be a voice for many animal lovers who find themselves in her situation.
The clinic reports that there are many people needing to hand their pets over due to losing their jobs or Covid-19 effects. Another example is that of Jazz and Gushani who were handed over because their owner died of Covid-19. They were very confused when they entered the shelter.“Covid-19 has been tough on everyone, including animal welfare organisations. It is thanks to individuals making donations that we can help pets like Nonjana, Jazz and Gushani,” says du Plessis.
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a non-profit veterinary clinic treating up to 1000 pets per month through consultations, hospitilisation, surgery, sterilisation, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and pet adoptions. They have a strong focus on education and working with the community to create an environment where everyone cares for animals and sees them as companions. In October 2021 the clinic will be celebrating 25 years of existence.
If you would like to support their work a donation can be made to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, Account number: 075595710, Branch: Rondebosch, Branch Code: 025009, Bank transit (SWIFT) Number: SBZAZAJJ, Savings account, Reference: Covid Help +Your Name. For more information or to adopt any of the stranded pets contact info@mdzananda.co.za or visit www.mdzananda.co.za.
Source: Mdzananda Animal Clinic
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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.
