Shelter may be forced to close down
DIEPSLOOT - Fourpaws animal shelter, near Diepsloot, is in desperate need of financial help without which they may have to close their doors.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2014/09/varu35fourpaw_566610065.jpg)
Merinda Brits, founder of the shelter, said that currently FourPaws works in 20 different townships where they provide healthcare, such as dipping, de-worming and vaccinations free of charge. The shelter also sterilises dogs and cats, treats injured and sick animals and performs operations on these animals when needed.
“Without the help of the shelter, so many animals will suffer and even die a slow, painful death,” Brits said.
The shelter also traps, sterilises and returns feral cats to feral colonies around Johannesburg.
“We take all the abused, abandoned and unwanted animals to our shelter where we rehabilitate and re-home as many as we can,” Brits said.
According to her the running costs of the shelter are on average R80 000 per month. “We get no funding from the government or any big companies, and rely on individuals for donations,” she said.
The shelter is now in a position where they cannot afford to either continue their rescue work or maintain their kennel and cattery unless they receive financial help from the public.
The community can make a donation to the shelter by SMSing “4PAWS” TO 38111 to donate R10.
Alternatively they can contact the shelter directly to make a donation.
Details: 083 377 3219; merinda@4ourpaws.org.za