4paws animal shelter in Diepsloot might be forced to close

The 4paws animal shelter may be forced to close, and the over 200 dogs and cats there could be euthanised if necessary repairs are not made by 10 July.

“We were inspected by the Health Department recently,” said Tammy Lemmon, who is in charge of administration, management and is also the senior animal carer for the shelter.

“We need to construct a drainage system and septic tank in order to meet [the Health Department’s] requirements.”

The measures are necessary to comply with safety regulations, and without them, the shelter will no longer be permitted to continue its work. The shelter was given 21 days from the inspection to begin addressing the concerns to the department’s satisfaction.

Lemmon says that 4paws approached a company for a quote and found that to have all the work completed would cost about R61 000. “We don’t have that kind of money. We barely have R5 000 to pay for vet bills,” Lemmon explained.

“For now, we’ve just been doing it ourselves, some friends of mine donated some of the [PVC piping] needed for the trench and we’ve been doing the digging work. The drainage trench is the biggest priority for now, as that is what the department is most concerned about.”

4paws works tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged animals in and around informal settlements. While they are based in Diepsloot, they rescue and treat animals whenever they can, even travelling to Brits, North-West Province recently to rescue an abused dog. Animals that come into their care are sterilised, treated for any injuries or sicknesses, their owners are educated about proper animal care and, if necessary, animals are confiscated and rehomed.

The shelter, which is situated between the Riversands Incubation Hub and Diepsloot, is currently home to about 177 cats and about 41 dogs – all waiting to find their forever homes.

“We need help. There are only six people [working at the shelter fulltime], and we just can’t do it all. We can’t survive without the help of good-hearted people, and if we’re forced to close the animals will need to be put down because there’s nowhere else for them to go,” Lemmon concluded.

If you would like to help 4paws, here are some ways that you can do it:

• The trench for drainage is the most pressing concern, so much so that members of the public are invited to come to the shelter and dig where necessary in order to meet the Health Department deadline. Help with the construction of a septic tank is also welcome.
• If any plumbing experts/companies are willing, 4paws is in need of any advice, materials and labour available.
• As is, the staff from the shelter are not able to fundraise as much as would be liked due to other necessary work. If any individuals are willing to help with fundraising ideas and drives, they are more than welcome to approach 4paws.
• Monetary donations are always welcome to cover the costs of feeding, housing and veterinary care.
• Banking details are M Brits t/a FourPaws, Nedbank, Fourways, branch code 168405, account number 168 411 0750.
• If you are looking for a new fur family member, there are a number of friendly, healthy and socialised dogs and cats available for adoption should you meet the criteria.

Adopt, don’t shop!

Contact details: Tammy Lemmon 011 464 1920; 083 377 3219; merinda@4ourpaws.org.za

*Email is the best way to contact the shelter.

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