The Turkingtons tackle Vryheid’s stray dog dilemma with compassion
"People need to think carefully when choosing a pet. Puppies are not good presents. They grow up and require commitment. If you can't commit to the welfare of an animal, don't get one. We come from a civilised generation and should be capable of being responsible pet owners." - Ron Turkington
“Awareness is our main objective,” explains Ron Turkington, when asked what drives him and his family to be the voice for those who cannot speak.
Ron is a firm believer in a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which states ‘The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated’.
The Turkington family go to great lengths to live by these words, as they devote their time and money to assisting Vryheid’s lost or stray animals.
“If people could just spend some time ensuring their dogs are not left to wander the streets, it would really be beneficial to the town,” Ron adds. “So many people complain about stray dogs, but we have to understand and take into account this is the community’s problem, and we are responsible for solving it.”
He goes on to quote Edmund Burke: “‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ We feel strongly that we cannot just stand by and do nothing. When we see stray dogs on the street, we do whatever we can to find the owner and get the dogs back home.”
Ron explains if the dog is a stray without a home, the family keeps the animal nourished and hydrated until a solution can be found, to improve its quality of life on the streets.
For the Turkingtons, this kind of compassion for animals comes with both highs and lows.
“There are a lot of happy endings; that’s what makes it all worthwhile,” explains Teresa. “There is some sadness too, but we’ll never stop fighting for the animals.”
Some of the family’s main concerns regarding animal welfare in Vryheid, pertain to cruelty and irresponsibility with pet ownership.
“One of the most irritating phrases that really gets to us is the ‘free to a good home’ you see all over social media. We believe just giving dogs away can lead to situations where these poor animals are exposed to trauma and cruelty, and they don’t deserve that. Dog fighting is taking place right under our noses,” cautions Ron. “That’s why it’s imperative to keep your dogs safe at all times. These people will steal small dogs to use as bait dogs and the ‘power breeds’ like pit bulls and Bull Terriers for fighting. That’s no life for a dog.”
BREAKING: Justice served as Atteridgeville dogfighters sentenced to direct imprisonment
Ron and Teresa agree that while every town needs a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), local groups like Foster Friends, the brainchild of former SPCA committee member, Khalia Schmitting are also beneficial to the town and curb the society’s often overwhelming intake of animals.
“90 per cent of the animals being rehomed by Foster Friends would have ended up at the SPCA,” he states. “It’s not that we want recognition for what we do. When it comes to the welfare of the animals, I wish we could all remain faceless.”
Teresa adds to this sentiment: “It shouldn’t be about the people. It should be about the goal of animal welfare.”
While the Turkingtons carry out their campaign at their own expense, feeding strays and assisting with medical treatment when necessary, they shy away from requesting financial assistance.
“We budget for this,” says Ron. “We are fortunate enough to be in a position to do so. All of our successes can be attributed to the support of our community. Vryheid is a small enough town that we can all make a difference. If you can’t help, report the matter to someone who can. We are truly grateful to everyone who does their bit to help. Pierre Pieters has even offered to assist us with kennels.”
#Bloemfest2019 – ‘It was epic’
In closing, Ron offers some advice on making responsible decisions when it comes to pets.
“People need to think carefully when choosing a pet. Puppies are not good presents. They grow up and require commitment. If you can’t commit to the welfare of an animal, don’t get one. We come from a civilised generation and should be capable of being responsible pet owners.”
He adds that older dogs make great companions for the lonely and the elderly.
“There’s an unmistakable sense of gratitude in dogs that are rehomed, and given a second chance at happiness with a loving, caring owner.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-MjovlYzs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Why dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years
Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates
 
 
