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Animal Shelters Seek Metro’s Help

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Beverly Rademeyer from the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL)
Photo: Werner Hills

ALL dogs deserve a loving home, but when these dogs become commodities, and are bred for profit, it doesn’t matter how well meaning or qualified the breeders are.

“If we wish to put an end to the gross pet overpopulation problem and provide loving forever homes for dogs in need of them, there is no real justification for the perpetuation of dog breeding.”

These are the words of Beverley Rademeyer from the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL).

Following the plight of the overpopulation of dogs due to illegal breeding throughout the metro,

which results in animal cruelty and neglect, the local animal organisations have come together to plea with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to help them in their fight against the scourge.

According to these organisations, imposing fines on the illegal dog breeders could assist in bringing the transgressors to book.

“No matter how you look at the issue, breeding remains problematic and results in overflowing shelters,” Rademeyer said.

She added that in most animal shelters every cage was full and dogs kept coming.

“The dogs come in as strays or are abandoned while many others are surrendered.

“What really breaks my heart is that in as much as we would love to rescue all the dogs, it’s just not possible.”

Rademeyer explained that one of the biggest misconceptions that people had was that domestic animals could be bred for sustain­ability.

“This cannot be further from the truth. Domestic animals do not serve that purpose.

“It is only commercial animals – sheep, cattle, chickens and more – that can be bred by means of ensuring sustainability.”

She also emphasised that education is key. “People need to be educated on what the law requires of them and also about the health aspects that are involved.” 

“They have a responsibility to care for their animals.”

She said, “All we want is for the municipality to come forward and hear our cry.”

Many dogs are euthanised in shelters every year because of a lack of space, resources, and people who are willing to adopt these animals.

Replying to the measures that the municipality had put in place to involve more people in the plight, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said they established a dedicated dog control unit which responds to matters related to illegal dog breeding.

“Our subdirectorate is aware of the problem of stray animals and the dog control unit is responsible for collecting stray animals which are reported to the municipality,” he said.

However, the petition drafted by the local animal organisations states that the dog control unit is only tasked with enforcing the by-laws and does not deal with cases of cruelty or neglect.

Currently fines are not issued in terms of the by-laws.

“That is why we are pleading to the municipality to fine illegal dog breeders,” Rademeyer said.

“These fines can then be channelled back to fund sterilisations and animal welfare.

“Our main focus is sterilisation as we believe this can help in curbing the issue of overbreeding.”

Mniki said the municipal subdirectorate is not yet in possession of the petition relating to fining illegal dog breeders, “however, the municipal by-laws are clear on this matter; no one is allowed to breed dogs without municipal consent”.

He assured that there were plans in place to give the dog control unit the capacity to do their job better.

Written by: Thandi Setokoe
Source: www.news24.com

Sterilisation – Conquering the Overpopulation Crisis of Cats and Dogs

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In a period of just six years, one female dog and her litter can reproduce up to 67 000 puppies! Similarly, in a period of 7 years, one female cat and her offspring can reproduce 370 000 kittens, and the numbers continue to increase exponentially from there! Unsterilised male dogs and cats are the prime contributors to this overpopulation crisis as they can impregnate a multitude of females within a short period of time, thereby producing countless unplanned litters.

To further aggravate the situation in South Africa, the following statistics were published by Statistics South Africa Census 2012, Eighty20 (SAARF Living Standard Measures 2012), South African Veterinary Council (SAVC 2012), World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA 2008), Animal Welfare and Private practices 2012, and South Africa Mass Animal Sterilisation Trust (SA.MAST) :

Over 40 million South Africans rely on animal welfare organisations to support their pets, however these establishments are under immense strain being only able to assist a segment of this population, thereby leaving innumerable animals without any access to basic veterinary care.

It’s been reported that South Africa has a grave scarcity of specialist surgeons, with only twelve practicing in the entire country. This problem is further exasperated by the fact that less than one surgical specialist is allocated per major city outside of Johannesburg and Pretoria. This amounts to approximately 870 000 homed dogs and cats for every surgeon. Older surgeons and veterinarians are also retiring from private and animal welfare practices, thereby causing a shortage of mentors to teach new graduates.

This explains why millions of innocent dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanised every year, due to the shortage of both loving homes to take them in and people without access to animal welfare services. Sterilisation is the affordable, simple solution to saving millions of animals from a life of struggle with hunger, thirst, neglect, abuse or euthanisation in animal shelters because their forever family never arrives. As responsible pet parents, you can make the difference by sterilising (spaying or neutering) your pets to ensure no unplanned litters occur.

  • What is spaying and neutering of cats and dogs?
    Sterilisation (spaying or neutering) is when a qualified veterinarian performs a surgical procedure involving removal of a pet’s reproductive organs.

  • What are the Benefits of Sterilising my pet?

    Sterilisation in both male and female cats and dogs has many far-reaching benefits, namely:

    • Improved longevity and avoidance of unplanned litters.
    • Sterilised pets are less susceptible to contract some diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in cats or the Transmissible Venereal Tumour virus in dogs.
    • Having your female cat or dog sterilised at an early age can further protect them from the later onset of critical health issues such as urinary infections and mammary gland cancer, which are found to be malignant in approximately 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats.
    • Elimination of hormone-induced moodiness and uncomfortable, stressful symptoms associated with heat cycles.
    • Reduction of the frustrating behaviours of heat cycles, such as yowling and inappropriate urinating around the home.
    • Neutering male pets may reduce certain behaviourial problems related to the instinct of mating. This ensures they are far less likely to perform a Houdini-style escape from home to roam in search of a female mate, thereby reducing the chance of them being run over by a vehicle or getting into fights with other animals.
    • Altered males are less inclined to mark their territory around the home by spraying a strong-scent over all your household belongings. This should also eliminate the instinctive need to mount people, other dogs and nonliving objects.
    • Neutered males have a reduced chance of developing prostate and testicular cancer, thereby enhancing their quality and quantity of life.

Remember, whilst sterilising your male pet reduces their testosterone levels, there is no guarantee that their unfavourable behaviour will improve. This is because they may have become accustomed to certain learnt behaviours and there is the possibility that these habits will continue if left unchecked. At the end of the day, the outcomes of neutering are largely influenced by your pet’s unique character, biology and history.

  • Will altering my pet affect their weight?
    The process of spaying or neutering has been known to reduce the quantity of sex-related hormones which may lead to a decrease in a pet’s metabolic rate, but a lifestyle of regular exercise and a healthy diet will ensure your pet is kept slim, fit and shapely. A pet’s age, breed and level of activity are also factors when taking dietary concerns into account. Portion servings and exercise regimes will need to be adjusted accordingly as your pet gets on in years and depending on whether their breed is prone to weight gain.
  • How can you teach your children about “the miracle of birth”?
    There is a wealth of information available in the form of books, videos and online programmes to responsibly teach your children about reproduction. Allowing your pet to breed is not only teaching your child to be reckless, but it’s contributing to the current calamity of countless pets dying in shelters because there’s a deficit of loving homes for the rapidly growing population.
  • Is sterilization safe?
    Spaying or neutering of pets is the most commonly performed surgical procedure conducted by veterinarians. Your furry friend will receive a general anesthetic during the procedure and pain medication to manage any associated pain thereafter, thus experiencing moderate pain and discomfort. The occurrence of complications resulting from these procedures is very low.
  • What is the best age to spay or neuter my pet?
    It’s always best to consult your veterinarian about when the most appropriate age to sterilise your pet is as this could vary between breeds, ages and individual health statuses, however, most veterinary practices will only sterilise your pet after they are 6 months old.
  • What are the costs involved?
    If your pet produces offspring, you are then responsible for the wellbeing of the wee ones. Sterilising your pet is a far more cost-effective solution than having to care for a litter of pups or kittens. Many animal welfare organisations and shelters offer free sterilisations to make the procedure more accessible for pet parents to do the right thing.
  • Pre-Surgery Tips
    Your vet will give you the necessary information required regarding preparing your pet for surgery. They will probably insist that your pet fasts the night before undergoing anesthesia, but instructions may differ for younger pups and kittens, so ensure you are given accurate instructions pertaining to your pet’s individual set of circumstances.
  • Post-Surgery Recovery Tips
    • It is best to keep your pet indoors overnight, in a peaceful place away from noise or other pets until the anesthetic has fully worn off. Pets that have not fully recovered and are left to roam may not be as quick to react in a dangerous situation and may come to harm.
    • Ensure your pet doesn’t jump and run for approximately 10 days after the operation, or for as long as your physician suggests.
    • Ensure the incision remains free from infection by preventing your pet from licking it. This can be done by offering them treat distractions or using an Elizabethan collar.
    • Don’t bath your furry pal for at least 10 days after the operation.
    • Conduct daily inspections of the incision to ensure efficient healing.

Consult with your vet if you notice any of the following:

  • The incision is red, swollen, open or producing any discharge
  • If your pet is unusually lethargic, has a reduced appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea.

Cities and countries worldwide are aggressively addressing the animal overpopulation crisis and areas that are efficient in doing so have reported drastic reductions in the numbers of animals being taken in to animal shelters and euthanised. It all starts with you and your community, so spread the word about pet sterilisation. Together we can overcome this crisis and in so doing, contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of the precious animals with which we share this beautiful planet.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

The Tories have voted that animals can’t feel pain as part of the EU bill, marking the beginning of our anti-science Brexit

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Tories vote animals cant feel pain part of EU bill

The Tories have already decided to scale back huge parts of what makes Britain the country we’re proud of – today it’s animal sentience, and tomorrow it could be something far worse

Yas Necati @YasNecati

The Tory Government has outdone itself when it comes to neglecting animal rights this week – by effectively declaring that all animals (apart from humans, of course) have no emotions or feelings, including the ability to feel pain. While debating the Brexit bill, MPs voted not to transfer into UK law the parts of EU legislation which recognise animals have sentience, and can feel pain and emotions. 

Remember all that campaigning against the badger cull and May’s attempt to bring back fox-hunting? It was probably all a waste. As the Government begins to shape the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, it has taken a vote to scrap EU legislation that sees non-human animals as sentient beings. Once we leave the EU in 2019, it’s not only badgers and foxes that will be threatened by this change in law, but all animals that aren’t pets. So basically all animals that it will be profitable to exploit.

This vote comes in contrast to extensive scientific evidence that shows that other animals do have feelings and emotions, some even stronger than ours.

But politicians clearly think that they know better about animal brains than the majority of scientists on the planet. This complete lack of logic leads me to believe that many of our MPs probably have less intelligence than a jellyfish. But unfortunately I don’t have any stake in Parliament to vote through my personal opinions, unlike those MPs.

Realistically though, who would be surprised by this new vote? Despite Michael Gove’s calls to improve animal welfare standards post-Brexit, we all know the Government, and in fact most of the UK public, doesn’t really care about animals unless they’re cute and fluffy.

This is how we have ended up in a society where a cat being thrown in a bin sparks national outrage, but the majority of the population will complain about this while eating a burger from the local fast food chain which has probably come from a chicken that suffered abuse its whole life.

“Animal welfare” in the Government’s (and indeed the public’s) eyes is riddled with double standards. At the moment, 80 per cent of the UK’s animal welfare legislation comes from the EU – if we’re voting out the fact that animals are sentient, why would we even bother with the rest of it? If the Government doesn’t believe that animals can even feel pain, surely none of their rights will be protected at all.

When we leave the EU, pets will be protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. But where does this leave wild animals, those in labs, and those in other forms of captivity? Just a small example of this is cosmetics testing. Under EU law it is illegal to test on animals for cosmetics like body wash and nail varnish. But this could easily be scrapped just like the recognition of animals as sentient beings has been.

We are looking at a very grim future for animals, where hunting is reintroduced, labs are free to test on animals with as much cruelty as they wish (and no pain relief) and farms are less and less regulated.

But what worries me most about this development is that it shows just how much potential havoc Brexit could cause. Voting the recognition of animal sentience out of UK legislation is a pretty big deal, but it’s barely been reported on in mainstream news outlets. As each EU law is put to the vote, I wonder how many more will be scrapped without being brought to the public’s attention. Why are we not being consulted about what laws are being changed? Why are we barely even being told?

In the next two years, the Government will make a multitude of changes in the hope that when 2019 comes, our laws will have altered so much that no amount of campaigning at that time will be able to overturn the decisions made. Campaigners will be forced to pick the one or two “most important” rights to get back, and everything else will go through unchallenged.

It will be too difficult to change every single law when it is implemented in 2019. It is not too difficult now, however, to tackle each dodgy vote as it makes its way through Parliament.

In the coming weeks and months, MPs will be voting on our future. They will be voting on the future of other animals, but they will also be voting on the future of the environment and human beings. So let’s challenge this sham vote on animal feelings, and let’s challenge the rest of the nonsense the Tory Government tries to throw at us too.

This piece was updated to clarify the way in which MPs voted against animal sentience

Source: INDEPENDENT

 

 

Joburg Zoo To Get Second Elephant In Spite Of Public Outcry

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Joburg Zoo

The Joburg Zoo continues to make unilateral decisions regarding Lammie the elephant’s future while the DA led City council turns a blind eye. The zoo announced in January that it was actively searching for a second elephant, prompting the resignation of the NSPCA from the Animal Ethics Committee. The zoo’s decision flies in the face of numerous specialist reports detailing the shortfalls of keeping a social, sentient animals in captivity. The zoo has yet to reply who their own elephant specialists advising them are, writes LOUZEL LOMBARD STEYN.

Ongoing global petitions supporting Lammie’s release to an accredited rewilding sanctuary presently have received over 300,000 signatures. A Facebook survey by Carte Blanche showed that 95% of close to 8,000 participants were against keeping wild animals in zoos. This comes after a televised investigation in March showing ongoing neglect and animal welfare concerns at three South African zoos, including Joburg. 

Elsewhere however, Democratic Alliance officials are making big claims about their animal welfare policies. The DA condemned conditions at the East London Zoo under the ANC-governed Buffalo City Metro Municipality, submitting a motion for its closure. “The DA is the only party in South Africa fighting for the ethical treatment of animals,” the statement reads.  

Apparently, this doesn’t include the City of Joburg where Lammie remains under the pretext of ‘conservation and education’, even when the public objects to her exhibition.   

Joburg Zoo

Going in circles 

Animal activist group Ban Animal Trading (BAT) say the zoo is deliberately stalling attempts to free Lammie. At first, the zoo instructed them to engage residents in Johannesburg’s 135 wards over Lammie’s future via a formal public participation process (PPP). 

“There are no PPPs required when the zoo sells and exports animals to international pet shops or wildlife traders,” says BAT director Smaragda Louw. “Why are they suddenly demanding a PPP in order to relocate Lammie?” 

She says the zoo also directed BAT to consult the Speaker of the Council, Vasco da Gama, regarding Lammie’s freedom. BAT did so in December, delivering an in-depth proposal from Humane Society International (HSI)-Africa, EMS Foundation and the Elephant Reintegration Trust (ERT) to the Speaker and Joburg Mayor Herman Mashaba in person. 

No response was received from the Mayor, while Da Gama confirmed that he studied the proposals and consulted with the relevant authority on the matter, MMC for community development counsellor Nonhlanhla Sifumba. The matter was then directed back to the zoo. Nothing came of it. 

In February, after numerous meeting requests and email communications by HSI Africa, EMS Foundation and ERT with the Joburg Zoo and Mayor Mashaba, the Joburg Zoo finally called a meeting between its management, Sifumba and the three welfare organisations working to rehabilitate Lammie. Sifumba acknowledged the city council consultation process already undertaken by BAT, in which it was ruled that Lammie’s case was a ‘zoo matter’. Despite her knowledge of this outcome, Sifumba did not inform the attendees and insisted that they repeat the same procedure again. 

The zoo’s general manager Bryne Maduka, also stonewalled, saying the zoo’s board could not make final decisions on Lammie and referred the organisations back to the City Council. 

In compliance, HSI-Africa formally submitted its petition, as well as that initiated by Future4Wildlife, EMS Foundation and BAT, to the Speaker of the Council through the Gauteng Legislature in terms of the Gauteng Petitions Act No. 05, 2002 as stipulated by Maduka and Sifumba. Besides an acknowledgement of receipt, no further feedback has been received.      

The organisations say they are frustrated with the zoo’s sidestepping. “The February meeting was a stalling tactic and was completely disingenuous,” said Audrey Delsink, South African elephant specialist and HSI-Africa Wildlife Director. “It was simply a tick-box exercise for the zoo’s public relations team. No attempt was made to discuss the concerns or our proposal.” 

Big talk 

There has been no formal response whatsoever to the organisations’ proposals. Direct calls on the Mayor are sent around in circles, ultimately redirected to the zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley. 

When questioned regarding decisions made following the February meeting, Moodley stated only that “Lammie continues to do very well at the zoo.” In January, she confirmed that the zoo was getting another elephant. 

Annette Steyn, the DA shadow minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, repeated the zoo’s statements. She says Mashaba was advised that the elephant will not be able to survive if relocated as she is “too old and have been in captivity for too long”. Steyn is unable to say who the zoo consulted to reach this conclusion. However, she says there is a possibility that Mashaba has been misinformed by the zoo. 

An open letter by 13 elephant specialists to Mashaba states, “The reintegration of a captive elephant back into the wild has been repeatedly successfully demonstrated, provided there is a long-term reintroduction program.” Numerous successful cases have been completed with elephants aged over 30 years, some also having spent their lives in captivity. 

None of the signatories were consulted by the zoo. 

In an attempt to escalate Lammie’s release, BAT, in association with HSI Africa, EMS Foundation and ERT, submitted an urgent formal legal letter of appeal for assistance to the Gauteng MEC for local government, Dikgang Ujuru Moiloa, and copied to Mayor Mashaba, earlier this month. No response has been forthcoming.    

‘Lonely Lammie’ has become the poster animal of SA’s struggling captive animals since the death of her partner Kinkel in September last year. Experts argue that bringing another elephant into captivity will simply perpetuate the cycle of imprisonment of sentient animals for human entertainment. 

Source: Conservation Action Trust

Minister Fritz Works with Animal Welfare Orgs to Establish Anti-Dogfighting Task-Team

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Anti-Dogfighting Task-Team

Last week, the Office of the Minister Community Safety, Albert Fritz, met with members of the Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF) to address the issue of dog fighting. It was agreed that a follow up meeting should be held with stakeholders including law enforcement, CAWF, the Department of Community Safety and Social Development to establish a task team that can immediately respond to cases.

Representatives in attendance included the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Animal Welfare Society South Africa and the Department of Social Development (DSD). During the meeting, it was resolved that stronger links should be formed between the local offices of the DSD and CAWF where there are reports of young people who are involved with dog fighting. CAWF further expressed the need for a targeted communications strategy to create awareness of dog fighting.

Minister Fritz said, “I look forward to meeting with CAWF and other stakeholders to establish a task-team to respond to reports of dog-fighting. I have previously condemned the prevalence of dog-fighting in Ocean View and the Cape Flats communities; and re-iterated that the blood sport is both criminal and cruel. It was reported that there are an increasing number of school-aged children participating in dog fights. Where the dog loses the fight, they are destroyed by the child.”

Minister Fritz said, “Dog fighting is often linked to other forms of illicit or criminal behavior such as illegal gambling and trade of illicit substances. It is of great concern that young people are being drawn into dog fighting as they are seemingly being diverted into a life of criminality.”

In a study by the University of Tennessee in 2008, Hensley, Tallichet and Dutkiewicz conducted a survey based on the input of 180 inmates at a medium and maximum-security prison. It was found that repeated acts of animal cruelty during childhood was predictive of later repeated violent acts toward humans, showing a positive correlation between the two variables.

Minister Fritz said, “It is necessary that we address violence in all its forms. The Western Cape Safety Plan aims to halve the murder rate over the next ten years. A significant metric of violence is murders committed. Therefore, it is essential that we address all forms of violence to ensure that we achieve this goal.”

Source: DA

TEARS Animal Rescue Issues Urgent Covid-19 Pet Food Appeal to Assist Vulnerable Communities

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Tears Covid-19 Pet food appeal

Cape Town ~ Following the announcement of the COVID-19 Lockdown and the economic impact on low income communities, TEARS Animal Rescue has launched a COVID-19 Pet Food Appeal to Cape Town based manufacturers to donate surplus edible pet food in response to the increase in requests from pet owners living in vulnerable communities as they struggle to feed their pets.

Says TEARS Animal Rescue General Manager, Lauren Carlyle, “We  cannot underestimate the impact that the COVID-19 Lockdown is having on the most vulnerable members of our society, and have therefore launched a Province-wide appeal to address what is fast becoming an animal welfare crisis. The reality is that many people have been retrenched or been put on unpaid leave for the next three weeks, which has dire consequences on the people living on or near the breadline. We’re receiving dozens of pleas for help from pet owners in vulnerable communities who say they won’t be able to feed their pets over the coming weeks.”

TEARS issued a statement as part of a strategic communication campaign at the beginning of March, to emphasise the fact that animals have no direct connection with the spreading of the COVID-19 virus. Despite this, an increasing number of people have started to dump their pets after the release of fake news and misinformation surrounding the Coronavirus Pandemic. This, coupled with the fact that economic downturns always result in increased rates of pet neglect, starvation and abandonment, means that the organisation will remain on high-alert over the Lockdown period to support animals in need.  In 2018 over 500 cats and dogs were surrendered or picked-up as strays by TEARS, and last year this number increased to 683.

“Based on our experience, and as conditions continue to deteriorate, we expect to see a massive increase in the number of cats and dogs being surrendered, abandoned or left to starve as owners struggle to feed their own families. Dogs that are restrained on ropes and chains, to provide some sense of security to their owners, are often left without adequate food and care, and will most likely die slow and painful deaths, either from starvation or disease; and most often, both,’ says Carlyle.

Registered as an essential service during the Lockdown, and with its established infrastructure and operational footprint in low income communities in the Southern Peninsula of the Western Cape (namely Vrygrond, Ocean View, Redhill, and Masiphumelele), TEARS is able to collect and redistribute all pet food donations it receives to address the most critical needs in the communities it serves. Any surplus will be shared with other animal welfare organisations across Cape Town.

Says TEARS Operations Manager, Mandy Store, “We will be contacting our suppliers and partners directly with a request for assistance. All pet food donations received will be distributed to community leaders for redistribution in impoverished communities. We’ll work closely with other animal welfare organisations across Cape Town to make sure we’re able to coordinate a collective response to the increasing demand for assistance across the Province .”

While TEARS Animal Rescue will remain closed to the public for the duration of the Lockdown, it will continue to ambulance sick and injured companion animals, and rescue stray and abandoned pets within its operational footprint. In the case of emergencies only please call or SMS 071 864 4849.

TO HELP SAVE LIVES PLEASE DONATE AT: https://tears.org.za/donate/

Tears - Snap Scan

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

TEARS ANIMAL RESCUE – General Manager
Lauren Carlyle
Cell: 078 444 9952
Email: lauren@tears.org.za

TEARS ANIMAL RESCUE – Operations Manager
Mandy Store
Call: 073 525 9191
Email: Mandy@tears.org.za

TEARS ANIMAL RESCUE – Marketing Director
Lara Black
Cell: 083 326 1168
Email: lara@dreamteamworld.co.za

TEARS ANIMAL RESCUE – Marketing Coordinator
Luke Kruyt
Cell: 061 722 7903
Email: luke@tears.org.za

FACT SHEET

TEARS is a Pro-Life, non-profit organization, established in 1999 (registered in terms of Section 18a of the Income Tax Act) whose core aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, reunite and rehome lost, abandoned, abused and neglected animals, and to educate the communities within which we operate, in particular the children.

We strive to meet the needs of the low-income communities in the Southern Peninsula by:

  • Providing free sterilisations, a mobile clinic,  subsidised medical support that includes vaccinations, deworming and parasite control
  • Providing a veterinary clinic on our premises, offering veterinary care for pets for almost any condition, illness or injury at a welfare rate.

We remain the only facility in the Cape Peninsula’s far-south that is available seven days a week to treat the hundreds of animals who need treatment each month for a variety of conditions, illnesses and injuries.

Our focus is on sterilisation to prevent unwanted animals from being born into a life of suffering, abuse and neglect and annually we sterilise in excess of 5 000 dogs, cats and rabbits. In addition we are one of the leading organisations in the compassionate sterilisation and management of the peninsula’s feral cat colonies through our Feral Cat Project. We feed, rehabilitate and care for up to 250 cats and dogs at our shelters. To date TEARS has homed in excess of 17 500 animals.

Source: TEARS

Covid-19: Support local animal shelters during the lockdown

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FOURWAYS – Although it’s the humans in lockdown, dogs and cats are also in need during this difficult time. Here is how three Fourways-based shelters are dealing with the lockdown and how you can help.

Covid-19: Support local animal shelters during the lockdown

Shelters, like the 4Paws Animal Shelter in Riversands run by Tammy Knepscheld, have been deeply impacted by the lockdown and need support from the public. Photo: Robyn Kirk

As nearly 60 million South Africans bunker down as much as possible during a national lockdown in order to fight the spread of Covid-19, thousands of animals in shelters and rescues are also being affected.

The Fourways Review reached out to three locally-based animal shelters to find out what measures they have put in place for the lockdown, how things are going and how the public can help without leaving their homes. The three shelters are Ark Animal Centre, 4Paws Animal Shelter and the Pet Empowerment in the Townships (Pets).

Ark Animal Centre

The Ark Animal Centre in Chartwell mostly focuses its work on helping pregnant dogs and puppies get the care they need, although it also cares for adult dogs.

Candice Eilertsen of the shelter spoke to the Fourways Review, “The gates to Ark have been locked for the duration of the lockdown and we also have a sign outside explaining that we can’t accept visitors. “We’re very lucky because all the dogs [in our care] who are able to be fostered out have been fostered out – the only animals we’re still caring for at the shelter are those who are injured, pregnant dogs and moms and puppies that can’t be fostered yet.

“I’m not actually sure how we’ll get through the lockdown, especially if it lasts longer than the three weeks that were planned. But everyone is struggling right now, so we can’t ask others to support us if they can barely support themselves.

“For those who can, please give what you can, but we understand it’s difficult for everyone right now.”

She added that while the main phone lines to the shelter will not be answered during this time, members of the public can still reach out via social media or via email to find out more information about potential dogs for adoption. “I’d also recommend that pet owners find out which vets in their area will still be operating in case there is an emergency.”

Details: www.arkanimalcentre.co.za; the Ark Facebook page.

Covid-19: Support local animal shelters during the lockdown

The dogs and cats of 4Paws still need donations from the public to survive. Photo: Robyn Kirk

4Paws

Located in the Riversands area, 4Paws Animal Shelter cares for about 300 dogs and cats in need. Tammy Knepscheld, who runs the organisation, explained how 4Paws will be operating during the 21-days.

“We’ll be running on ghost staff. One person every day will come in to check in and care for the dogs, a second person will be in charge of the cats and I will be in to oversee things and to make sure that any animals that need medical care will get help,” she said. “We don’t want people coming through at all, so no volunteers until the lockdown ends and we won’t be adopting out any animals.

“Although, if anyone is interested in adopting once lockdown ends, they are welcome to contact us and we can send photos of the animals available.”

The shelter, unfortunately, does not have enough food or funding to survive the lockdown and are in desperate need of support from the public.

You can make a donation using the banking details on their website, add them as a beneficiary on your MySchool card or SMS the word ‘paws’ to 40707 to donate R20. “Please stay safe,” Knepscheld advised the public.

Details: www4ourpaws.org.za; tammy@4ourpaws.org.za; 083 377 3219.

Pets

The Pets non-profit organisation is slightly different from the others on this list in that it has no formal premises, but instead is a collection of volunteers who use a network of foster homes to care for dogs and cats in need from townships around Gauteng.

Nicole Badenhorst of the organisation said, “We’ve decided that fostering out our animals for only a few weeks is too unsettling for the animals, so we haven’t done that unless people can commit to foster continuously.

“Fortunately, we have enough food, but we still have a lot of money to pay in vet bills, and that may increase if there’s an emergency during lockdown, so anyone who can donate financially is urged to get in contact to help.

“If you see any of our animals [on the website or social media] that you’d like to adopt after lockdown ends, please get hold of us and we can send you photos of them. People who want to foster [when restrictions are lifted] are also welcome to be in touch, but again, please only do so if you can really commit as these animals have already been through so much.”

Details: www.petsjhb.org.za

Source: Fourways Review

Level 4 lockdown: Can you adopt an animal yet?

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Potential adopters are being turned away from animal organisations who are unsure whether they can adopt animals or not.

Level 4 lockdown: Can you adopt an animal yet?

Until the government allows it, adoption of animals is not permitted.

There is much confusion among animal welfare groups as to whether adoption is permitted under Level 4 restrictions.

The Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa has affected us all. Now imagine knowing there are people out there wanting to give you a second chance but you can’t go to your new forever home? This is the life of thousands of animals in shelters across the nation.

Frustration grows as eager community members are dumbfounded as to why animal adoptions are not allowed. Societies have been inundated with adoption requests leaving many unanswered questions and irate potential adopters. These are unique circumstances as many would-be adopters have much more valuable time on their hands to integrate a new furry member to their family.

Level 4 lockdown: Can you adopt an animal yet?

Shelter animals across South Africa plead to be adopted. Photo: File

 

Under Level 4 Covid-19 restrictions it is unclear whether animal adoption is permitted. According to Lungi Mtshali from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), adoptions of animals is not permitted as animal adoption is not an essential service.

“If it has not been mentioned in the gazette, then it is not allowed. As you can imagine, we cannot list every action that is not allowed, the list would be too long,” said Mtshali.

Read the full gazetted document here.

Further questions have been sent to COGTA in regards to animal adoptions such as:

  • Why the adoption of animals has not been permitted?
  • When or which level will the adoption of animals be allowed?
  • If animal adoption organisations follow strict social distancing and sanitation protocols, would adoptions then be permitted?

The National Councils of SPCAs (NSPCA) sent a request to the Covid-19 Nerve Centre Committee on behalf of all SPCAs and animal welfare organisations around South Africa, asking for their permission to allow adoptions to re-open under the Level 4 restriction. To date, the NSPCA has not received a response.

The concerns surrounding adoptions are that access to the SPCAs is strictly restricted – this is for the health and safety of the staff members who are vital for their community’s animals’ welfare, as well as the moral health of society, as well as the health and safety of members of the public.

A statement by the NSPCA said, “We would like to assure the public that rehoming animals is important to the SPCA Movement, however, we are obligated to adhere to any law or regulation set out by the South African Government.

Once adoptions are permitted, NSPCA’s public relations officer Meg Wilson said, “Pre-home inspections are a legal requirement for SPCAs to undertake – these would need to be undertaken with great care, ensuring that the correct PPE is worn, that the inspector and respective home follows social distancing protocols and sanitation.”

Source: Rosebank Killarney Gazette (Caxton Local Media)

Pet abandonment skyrockets amid lockdown Level 3

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Pet abandonment skyrockets amid lockdown Level 3

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has recorded a sharp increase in dog abandonments since the implementation of lockdown level 3. The clinic say this is an unusual increase.

“During lockdown we barely had any pet handovers. We found this quite strange. Due to the economic state and people losing their jobs, we were expecting increased handovers during this time. We believed the decrease in handovers was due to people being at home more and having time to bond with their pets,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager. “However, as soon as lockdown level 3 came into effect, the pets started pouring in. We are not sure what changed. We can only think that the economic impact has now taken a great toll, forcing people to handover their animals as they can no longer look after them.”

Within the last week, the clinic received many mommy dogs with multiple puppies and many others, which has brought the shelter facility to capacity. The situation is under even more strain following the past weekend’s severe weather, which flooded their shelter unit.

“When it rains it pours in Khayelitsha. Our shelter and office flooded. Our homeless dogs were all moved into our hospital facility until the water dries up. This, however, puts strain on our hospital space as we are full to the brim with patients,” says du Plessis.

The clinic sees a boost in pet patients during the wintertime due to hypothermia and broken bones from reckless drivers knocking dogs over in bad weather.

“Our expenses always increase in winter – we need to have lights on longer, heaters on to keep the pets warm and more pet patients, but with the unexpected abandonments, it is even higher.”

It costs the clinic around R1500 to care for an abandoned pet in its first month. Many stay much longer than this.

The animal clinic is calling on the public to assist during this time. If you are able to help care for the abandoned pets, please make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, Account number: 075595710, Branch: Rondebosch, Branch Code: 025009, Savings account, Reference: Winter +Your Name.

The clinic has also asked people to open their homes to foster animals. This will open space in their shelter facility to take in more animals in need instead of directing them to other animal welfare organisations.

To get in touch please contact info@mdzananda.co.za or visit www.mdzananda.co.za

Published by Kirsten Jacobs 
Source: cape{town}etc

SPCA calls for information regarding abandoned animals

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SPCA calls for information regarding abandoned animals

THE five rabbits that were found, with twelve guinea pigs and two chickens, dumped at Wessel Lourens Dam, in Vredekloof last week.

Cape Town – The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is seeking the public’s assistance with information that can lead to a successful prosecution of a perpetrator, believed to have been responsible for dumping a variety of animals in Brackenfell last week.

Twelve guinea pigs, five rabbits and two chickens were found dumped at Wessel Lourens Dam, in Vredekloof, and were found by a member of the public, who reported the matter to the SPCA.

SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abrahams said four of the rabbits were found hunched up and petrified in one of the dog kennels (at the entrance of the dam), while the fifth was found being chased by the residents.

She said the twelve guinea pigs were found in a box – that was taped up – with babies, with no food or water, and were malnourished. She said they were sitting on top of each other.

“They had absolutely no way of escaping, as the box was sealed with tape.The chickens were running on the road, confused and scared. We are calling on the community for any information that can lead to a successful prosecution in this matter. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA appeals to members of the public to be vigilant and report any incidents immediately, where animals are abandoned,” she said.

Abrahams said it was a criminal offence, in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, to abandon any animal.

Animal Welfare Society of South Africa spokesperson Allan Perrins said hundreds of animals get abandoned in Cape Town every year. Perrins said there was no need for anyone to abandon their animals.

“We have a non-selective admissions policy and offer a sanctuary to hundreds of unwanted and abandoned animals annually. Domestic animals are almost entirely dependent on their owners for their welfare and well-being, so anyone who turns their back on their pets is almost certainly condemning them to an avoidably slow and agonising death,” he said

Perrins said pet abandonment, in all its evil forms, was inexcusable and totally avoidable – and comes at a huge price to the animal and to shelters with a non-selective admissions policy.

“It can take many man hours and a lot of money to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home an abandoned animal. When not recovered by animal welfare organisations, they become feral marauders.

“Once they are labelled as such, they suffer unimaginable cruelty at the hands of intolerant home owners and road users. Many contract diseases and become infested with parasites, resulting in a rapid deterioration and painful death,” said Perrins.

He said people should surrender their animals to their nearest animal welfare shelter regardless of its condition or reasons for surrender.

Anyone with the information on the matter can email inspmanager@spca-ct.co.za or call 021 700 4158/9 during office hours.

Source: IOL