Rabies drive sees over 100 animals vaccinated
A rabies vaccination drive was held in Craigieburn.
Animal rescue organisation 4 Paws and a Tale Rescue and the Amanzimtoti SPCA joined forces for a rabies vaccination drive in Malundi township, also known as V- Section, in Craigieburn last Saturday.
“We have had far more positive confirmed rabies cases in the immediate area than we would have dreamed of and so this outreach was decided upon,” explained Nicky Koekemoer, founder of the local animal rescue.
“There have been five identified cases in Craigieburn and we know of possible others, but the animals were disposed of before they could be sent away for testing so we are not sure of actual numbers.”
Nicky and the team sent word out of the drive in hopes that people would bring their dogs and cats for these important vaccinations before it’s too late.
They set up their station at the township around 08:00 that morning, and were glad to see that people had already begun queuing by that time so the vaccinations started by 09:00.
“This was done in a wonderful and orderly fashion and we were able to vaccinate a 130 animals – both dogs and cats,” added Koekemoer.
The team also dewormed every single animal that was vaccinated and dog food was given to the dog owners.
A special thank you is extended to Jo Laughton from Seadoone Vet and Kayleigh Smith from 4 Paws for giving up their Saturday morning to assist in the outreach.
Laughton vaccinated all the cats that were brought in. Luke Keyser from the Toti SPCA handled all the large and aggressive dogs and helped them get vaccinated, dewormed and de-fleaed.
SPCA field officer Delani Ncwengi and kennel assistant Sibo Ncube are also thanked for their assistance.
“All the helpers rocked and a big thank you to the community for understanding the importance of vaccinating your dog and coming even though some had to walk far to get to us,” said Koekemoer.
“Lynette Cox from Scott Vet is also shown appreciation for the flea medication she gave us for all the dogs.”
Koekemoer regularly helps dogs and cats in the area through her rescue and has done rabies drives similar to this before.
In order to continue in her line of work, donations are always needed.
At the moment, the animal rescue needs donated items to sell at its 4 Paws and a Tale charity shop in Scottburgh.
“We take anything that is not broken and dirty such as clothing, linen, kitchen utensils, crockery and cutlery, tools, you name it.”
To donate to 4 Paws or find out more about the rescue, contact Nicky Koekemoer on 084 6265508.
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