“Due to the neglect and lack of knowledge around caring for pets, especially dogs, our organisation goes to townships to educate residents about caring for pets. We also supply kennels for the dogs, made by residents.”
Blows said that it is important that the organisation’s initiative, in turn, creates a chance to make a little income for the residents who build the kennels. “It is better to give someone a skill and a chance to make money than to give them a handout.”
Matthews said the kennels are numbered and painted, and the residents receiving them sign for the kennels. That way, the kennels will not be misused.
Matthews said the organisation also has Spayathons.”This is when we sterilise, vaccinate and deworm the dogs. During these visits we get wonderful surprises as we see that the dogs that were adopted are in good hands. We do not have a shelter so our mandate is to find foster homes for abandoned or abused dogs.”
Blows asked Matthews what situations they come across in the townships.
Matthews said, “At times we find dogs that do not eat, have fleas or are full of worms. We also have had situations where people do not change the dog collars as the dog grows, until the dog chokes, and children at times put wires around dogs’ necks.”
Matthews said a week ago they met a traditional healer who had drilled a hole into a tortoise’s shell and put a wire through the shell and tied it to a pole. “In such cases we have to tread gently as some people believe keeping a tortoise is a sign for good luck. We had to explain to the traditional healer that it is illegal to keep an indigenous species as a pet, and drilling a hole through its shell.”
“We are not in communities to take away dogs, but to educate the community to better care for pets. We rely heavily on the public for any kinds of donations that can help further our work,” Matthews added.
Details: www.pets.org.za
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