Save the dogs

IRWIN Animal Rescue Centre (NPC) in Walkerville is under threat of having to close its doors if they don’t win a court battle to keep it open.

Tanya Sequeira and Amiee Zermatten, who both work at the rescue centre, say it will be a tragedy if they have to close.

“Irwin Animal Rescue Centre was originally owned by Anne Cronje, but I took over in September 2012 and Aimee, who was a volunteer, came on board full-time last August. We also have amazing staff who take excellent care of our dogs,” said Tanya.

The centre moved from its original premises last November to De Deur, close to Walkerville, and they now accommodate 310 dogs who are all in desperate need of loving homes.

“For March and April we have waived the adoption fees, but will still need to do strict home checks to make sure the dogs go to caring homes. The dogs will be up to date with vaccinations and will have been sterilised, de-wormed, micro-chipped and have had their five-in-one injection which also covers rabies,” said Tanya. “We have a wonderful vet, Dr Boonzaaier from Klipriver Animal Clinic, who does everything he can to help us.”

They are desperately hoping the community will come to the dogs’ rescue, and they’ll manage to “re-home” most of the dogs, if not all of them.

“We love them dearly and we know each and every one by name. We only have until the end of May. It’s so heart-breaking,” they said. In the meantime donations of tinned and dry dog food will be gratefully received.

If you would like to visit Irwin Animal Rescue Centre, the address is 59 Aloe Ridge Drive (on the gate – Manningsfield), De Deur, Walkerville, open Sunday to Friday 09:30 to 15:00 and Saturday 09:30 to 13:00, or phone 079 618 5522 / 082 325 5910.

Please like their FB page and you can also SMS “Donate irwins” to 48748 to donate R10.

On Saturday March 29 a fundraiser, March for the Dogs Walk, is taking place, beginning at 10:00, entrance fee R15 per person.

Contact Cameron 072 974 0514 for more information.