Amanzimtoti animal rescuers team up to build powerbreed dog sanctuary

Founders of Freedom Ride Powerbreed Rescue (FRPR) are on a mission to rectify stereotypes while saving and re-homing powerbreed dogs around KZN.
FRPR now aims to build its sanctuary and coffee shop on the land next to the Amanzimtoti SPCA, ultimately benefiting both organisations.

The organisation that works with powerbreed dogs such as Pitbulls, Staffies, Rottweilers and Boerbulls was officially formed this March.
Four passionate animal rescuers, Karen Wadsworth Borain, Brett Farrell, Karen Farrell and David Hardwick decided to join forces.

“Our main purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and then re-home dogs that fall into the powerbreed category, but equally important to us is that we are able to educate the public on the requirements and responsibilities of owning a power breed,” said Karen Wadsworth Borain.

“Our long term goal is to be respected enough as a rescue organisation, so that we can lobby government to improve on and enforce the Animal Protection Act. Saving one animal at a time is important, but saving thousands by rewriting the law is crucial,” said Karen.

“We focus on the powerbreeds because they’re the most misunderstood and abused breeds of all. Someone needs to ensure that these dogs get to safety, that they get behavioural help if required and that they are placed into amazing homes who understand them. We have taken it upon ourselves to be that someone, the voice that speaks for the voiceless,” she added.

The main networking tool FRPR uses is its Facebook page.
“Social media is incredibly powerful and we have managed to home many dogs via this platform. Word of mouth has also been effective, and this marketing portal will hopefully grow as we complete more homes with their special fur kids,” said Karen.

The organisation has applied for its NPO status via an Evergreen Trust, of which the four founders will be trustees.
Tracey Girling and the staff at Amanzimtoti SPCA have been incredibly supportive of FRPR.

“The SPCA want to expand and have the land but lack funds. We have been looking for land to develop into a sanctuary for our rescues with bigger enclosures and a coffee shop. It makes sense for us to build on the land that is right next door to the shelter because ultimately both organisations would benefit,” added Karen.

Visit the Facebook page Freedom Ride Powerbreed Rescue – Networking to find out more about the organisation and its pooches and to keep up to date with the progress of the sanctuary.

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