Passion for animals spurs Pam into action
A PASSION for animal welfare sees Pam Hay of Toti actively involved in Animal Action, a non-profit organisation started more than 20 years ago by Ethel Horsman of Umbilo.
The organisation finds foster homes for rescued and abandoned animals, has a spaying and neutering programme, a feeding scheme and also assists owners with food for their pets.
Seven volunteers are the backbone of Animal Action, which also works hand-in-hand with a few veterinarians. To raise funds, they collect bric-a-brac, which they clean and re-pack for fleamarkets in Durban and surrounds. “We raise funds via the fleamarkets – we need to, as our vets' bills are very high,” said Ethel.
Pam monitors the greater Amanzimtoti area and responds and removes pets from homes where they have been neglected or treated cruelly. Having been in the organisation since its inception, she has seen a number of cruelty cases and is not afraid to stand up to rude and abusive owners.
“I love animals with a passion. I cannot stand to see an animal in distress. I have climbed a six-foot fence to rescue a dog. I stand my ground, even if someone screams and shouts at me,” she said.
After a dog is rescued and nursed back to health, it is placed in a home with a good family. “We have strict home checks. It is rewarding to see a dog placed and happy when we carry out follow-up visits.”
Pam advises pet owners to innoculate their animals, as diseases such as parvo virus in 99% of cases leads to a horrible death. The organisation has also noticed a recent trend, where the elderly have acquired a new pup and are unable to afford to feed them.
In spite of challenges, the team remains dedicated to the animals. They are strong advocates against keeping pets under poor conditions and breeding of dogs by unregistered breeders.
They need donations of second-hand books, crockery, cutlery, any items in good condition which can be resold to raise funds.
Contact Pam on 031-903-2718 or Ethel on 031-205-1781.
