A DEDICATED pro-life animal sanctuary for severely abused and traumatised animals could become a reality in KZN.
For the dedicated members of KwaZulu-Natal’s Animal RAID (Rescue, Action and Investigation Division) team, 2017 is the year they hope to establish the animal sanctuary, providing a safe home for the victims of dog fighting as well as abused street and rural animals. But, according to Jessica Singh, the founder of the registered non-profit animal rights organisation Pawfect Nation, it is only through selfless public donations that this dream can be realised.
Animal RAID is the direct-action unit of Pawfect Nation, an organisation that champions the rights of all animals while educating people about the realities of animal abuse. The Animal RAID team consists of trained law enforcement professionals – all volunteers – with tactical combat and defence skills, and SWAT and/or military backgrounds. Also forming part of the team are seasoned dog behaviourists, handlers and trainers, as well as medical and legal professionals who are available to assist the team.
“The team will work closely with the South African Police Service when conducting any raids, ensuring the law is followed and necessary procedures are adhered to. This way we can be sure of increasing the conviction rate against animal abusers,” explained Singh.
The combination of these two specialised, dynamic law enforcement teams makes Animal RAID a force to be reckoned with.
According to reports, dog fighting has increased by 500 per cent in the past four years with young boys being hired as ‘runners’ to steal animals either as fighting dogs, or as ‘bait’ to be used to get the fighting dogs worked up. The team believes the numbers are much higher because dog fighting not only occurs in the townships, but in urban areas as well.
“The problem is that once these animals are rescued, if at all, there is nowhere for them to go. The goal is to create a safe haven where these victims can be cared for, rehabilitated and offered sanctuary, without the threat of being put down because of the stigma attached to their breed,” said Singh.
The NPO is now raising funds to purchase a piece of land at least two hectares (preferably larger) in size, where animals rescued from horrific circumstances will be offered permanent sanctuary. The rescued animals will not be adopted out, but people can organise a virtual adoption whereby they sponsor an animal’s food and medical costs on a monthly basis. They will be able to visit the sanctuary to see the progress of their ‘adopted’ animal.
The NPO abides by a pro-quality of life philosophy; this means all animals should live free from abuse, captivity, exploitation, suffering, chaining and confinement. They also believe every animal deserves the right to be helped, no matter how serious their condition when rescued – they all deserve a fighting chance.
Although the team is ready to commence with rescues, everything has been put on hold until such time as a plot of land has been secured.
The public is encouraged to consider donating towards this cause, or ‘gifting’ a donation for animal-loving friends and family. Pawfect Nation is also a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) so any individual or company can donate 10 per cent of their taxes to the organisation and will be issued with a Section 18A tax certificate, which will be written off as a charitable donation by SARS.
Any further information, including banking details and contact information, can be found at www.animalraid.org.za or www.pawfectnation.org.za.
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