Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

Canine caper: Cape Town woman pays R500 ransom after dog kidnapped on Table Mountain

October 18, 2021 in , /by

A Cape Town woman was forced to pay a R500 ransom to a gang of dog-nappers after her 12-year-old Jack Russel, named Jolie, was taken on Table Mountain on Saturday. Finance journalist, Lisette Lombard, 45, said Jolie was running about 20 metres behind her. The dog subsequently disappeared around 11:00. Lombard said she was in the bushes, moving towards Rhodes Memorial, when she noticed Jolie was missing. Lombard frantically searched for the dog for three hours before receiving a chilling phone call.   Lombard said the alleged kidnapper saw her contact details on the tag that was wrapped around Jolie’s neck. […]

Retired Rugby legends lend their support to help raise funds for animals in need

September 29, 2021 in , /by

Cape Town ~ South Africa’s most famous retired Springbok Centre and International Hall of Fame member, Danie Gerber is one of several ‘old school’ national rugby greats who will be playing in TEARS Animal Rescue’s upcoming  “Putts For Rescue Mutts” Golf Tournament at the prestigious Westlake Golf Course on Thursday 30 September to raise much-needed funds and awareness for vulnerable pets. Gerber (63), who is flying in from Port Elizabeth for the occasion is excited about lending his support for a cause that is close to his heart. Says Gerber, “ When TEARS invited me to be part of their […]

Vaccinating 1000 dogs for World Rabies Day after Khayelitsha rabies outbreak

September 28, 2021 in , /by

International World Rabies Day is on the 28th of September and the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, aims to vaccinate 1000 dogs in one day. This is after the recent identification of rabies infected dogs in the area, the first since 1994 in the Western Cape. Rabies is a deadly virus which can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite but it can also transmit through saliva coming into contact with lips, eyes or any exposed cuts on the body. The virus can be transmitted to other animals and humans. 99% of human cases result from […]

Spreading the truth about rabies – No more fear – Just the facts

September 28, 2021 in , /by

This year’s 15th annual #WorldRabiesDay on the 28th of September will focus on eradicating the many fears and myths surrounding this disease and replacing them with concrete facts. Only through spreading the truth and helping each other to understand the reality of the issue can we overcome it. Besides urging people in all communities to vaccinate their pets, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is joined by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development (DALRRD), the National Department of Health (DoH), the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Animal Health Forum […]

Montego Pet Nutrition’s latest Karoo wet food for cats

September 15, 2021 in , /by

Montego Pet Nutrition is expanding their super-premium Karoo Cat range into wet food for adult cats. This limited ingredient, purrfectly balanced meal for cats is vet recommended and formulated for optimum nutrition and superior flavour. Your feline family deserves only the best, and this is why Karoo wet food for cats contains zero corn, soya and gluten, is a fantastic source of moisture and is packed with essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals that is crucial to the development and maintenance of strong, healthy muscles while promoting good digestion. Suitable for adult cats of all breeds and available in two […]

Khayelitsha veterinarians speak out about dangerous rabies cases

September 1, 2021 in , /by

Two rabies cases were identified at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayeitsha, Cape Town. The last report of rabies in the Western Cape was in 1994. On the 11th of August a community member asked the clinic to collect her pet as she suspected it had a bone stuck in its throat. The dog had been vomiting for two days, appeared weak and was passing a yellow stool. Priffy, a medium sized, one-year-old male dog was collected and appeared subdued and drooling. Dr Isel Esterhuyse, the veterinarian at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, proceeded with caution as the symptoms were suspicious. […]

Cape Town pet owners warned to be on extra alert for rabies ‘outbreak’

August 31, 2021 in , /by

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services confirmed that they had received laboratory results on Monday confirming rabies in two dogs in Khayelitsha. Investigations are currently under way to determine the source of the outbreak. According to the Western Cape Veterinary Service head, Dr Gininda Msiza, rabies is a viral disease affecting animals and people. “It is transmitted by saliva or other body fluids, and a dog or person can be infected by being bitten, scratched or licked by a rabid animal,” Msiza said. “However, rabies is very easy to prevent by vaccinating dogs and cats.” Agriculture MEC Dr […]

No more bad breath with Montego’s New Bags O’ Wags Denties

August 25, 2021 in , /by

Say bye-bye to bad breath with Montego Pet Nutrition’s new Bags O’ Wags Denties. These dental treats are flavoursome, highly nutritious, and made with only natural colourants. They are also super long lasting and suitable to keep all dog breeds busy for ages. Available in four fun shapes and various size, from extra small (XS) for smaller breeds to large treats (XL) for big dogs. Ensuring there is something for all dogs to find their favourite Dentie. These include our Tip Top Toothbrush, Barktastic Bones, Full O’ Fun Frogs and Roarsome Dinos. The different shapes and sizes, as well as […]

True rescue story entertains, educates and debunks stigma about pit bulls

August 24, 2021 in , /by

A powerful message of hope, love, and acceptance is being shared by the Wattam family, who wrote a book based on their very own journey of adopting a pit bull from an animal rescue shelter. The book titled The Adventures of Patchy Moon Dog, published on April 25, has been written by Nelson Mandela Bay resident Mandy Wattam, while daughter, Lara Wattam’s creative illustrations depict the emotions of the main character, Patchy Moon Dog. Mandy Wattam shared, “Our family’s experience of rescuing dogs and not only our pit bull, Tego, has blessed us with a powerful message to tell. Through imparting […]

Pet diabetes is not a death sentence

August 23, 2021 in , /by

Globally, and in South Africa, pet diabetes is on the rise, and pet owners are looking for health management plans to keep their fur babies happy, healthy and living longer lives. “It’s important for pet owners to understand that diabetes is not a death sentence for their pet,” said Tarryn Dent, diagnostic and technical manager at Zoetis South Africa, a global animal health company. “We’ve found that a lack of awareness can either lead to a missed diagnosis because pet owners don’t know what to look for or if a pet is diagnosed with diabetes, many owners think that there […]