Tour Durban cyclists asked to pledge their pedal for Toti SPCA

CYCLISTS are invited to dedicate their 2019 Tour Durban cycle, which takes place on Sunday, 28 April, towards Amanzimtoti SPCA’s sterilisation bills which ultimately reduce the number of unwanted, abused and abandoned animals.

Tour da Tails will see each cyclist receive their own BackaBuddy link, through which money can be raised for the shelter.

“With more than 400 fluffy souls abandoned, rescued or delivered to the doors of Amanzimtoti SPCA in January this year alone, the organisation desperately needs support. It has joined forces with the Sanctuary Project to present Tour da Tails,” said Brighter Future chairman Chanti Wilson.

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Sanctuary Project is a rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming initiative that works with various animal rescue organisations such as the SPCA. It is a project of the non-profit organisation, Brighter Future, whose mission is to build a brighter future for all South Africans through educating, empowering and supporting a network of NPOs to build the skills required for sustainability.

Canine behaviourist and wildlife/animal rehabilitator for Sanctuary Project, Bruce Wilson explained that the shelter’s figures are astronomical. “Both those (figures) regarding breeding rates of unsterilised animals, as well as the financial support needed by Toti SPCA, which provides such a vital rescue and support service to the area. We need all the help we can get,” he said.

Explaining the necessity for sterilisation, Bruce said if left unchecked, a single a single breeding pair of dogs and their unsterilised offspring could produce 67,000 puppies in only six years.

“Amanzimtoti SPCA sterilises some 40 animals – predominantly dogs – each month. But the costs attached to this are not small. Each sterilisation costs about R800, resulting in a monthly vet bill of more than R30,000,” he said.

“We hope, through Tour da Tails, to recruit at least 32 cyclists who will each aim to raise a minimum of R1,000 through their Tour Durban participation. At Sanctuary Project, we see first-hand the need for animal sterilisation. Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges facing rescue organisations in Durban today is there are more animals available for adoption than suitable homes. Unfortunately, many people just view the SPCA as a drop-off zone for unwanted animals.”

Bruce said within communities, there was a lack of education regarding sterilisation. Comments such as “puppies are so cute – if you can’t find a home the SPCA will” were indicative of this ignorance.

To address the high levels of unwanted and stray animals, Toti SPCA ensures every animal adopted or treated at its facility is sterilised to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens. But help is needed to sustain this service. Thus the need for fundraisers such as Tour da Tails.

The initiative appeals to cyclists from the Amanzimtoti area who would like to dedicate their 2019 Tour Durban to the fundraiser, to sign up. As a Tour da Tails cyclist, each participant gets their own individual Backabuddy link to raise funds for Toti SPCA’s vet bill. Funds raised will strictly be used for sterilisations.

If you are keen to dedicate your ride to supporting Toti SPCA, signing up for Tour da Tails is simple. Email Chantelle Wilson at chanti@brighterfuture.org.za, and your contribution to making a difference is just a ride away.

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