PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS CARING FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS

Nearly 30 percent of cats and dogs in South Africa are left homeless, and rescue organisations like the SPCA are overwhelmed. Animals need love and care, too. That's why we're spotlighting a few groups lending a hand to the cause.

---

According to the global State of Pet Homelessness Index, South Africa has around 4.1 million stray pets roaming its streets – 27% of cats and dogs are homeless and without healthcare. This means that these innocent animals are left to get knocked down by cars, face extremely horrible conditions and hunger, and are vulnerable to attacks from other animals and cruel humans.

In addition, they can contract infectious diseases and spread them, leaving many animals to suffer and die. Whether it comes down to the overpopulation crisis and lack of sterilisation, or animal neglect and cruelty, we face a huge problem in our society that needs plenty of helping hands Thankfully, there are courageous, compassionate people across the nation who have made it their mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in dire need.

African Tails
This registered NPO began its journey in 2006 on the dusty streets of Dunoon township in Cape Town, and now covers other areas too. The organisation was formed to “create a sustainable solution for the overpopulation of neglected dogs” in the Western Cape, and this is done by preventing uncontrolled breeding, conducting living condition interventions in townships and destitute areas, and educating people on how to care for dogs correctly.

For African Tails, empathy and education are vital for communities and their pets. Thus far, they have managed to sterilise and care for more than 15 000 dogs, preventing unwanted puppies, unnecessary euthanasia and relieving the SPCA of the overflow of homeless pets. 

Contact: 021 510 7360


Animal Allies
Since January 2010, this NPO has been dedicated to giving animals in the Johannesburg area a “new leash on life”. The organisation understands that many communities do not have the funds or resources to give animals adequate veterinary care, and so they bring treatment and sterilisations (free of charge) to informal settlements in Gauteng.

They are also able to perform surgeries to save injured and sick cats and dogs, thanks to the generosity of sponsors and volunteers. “Each animal that is saved from brutality, neglect and starvation is a victory for us in our objective of preventing cruelty to animals.”

Contact: 076 511 5451


Flar: Foster Love Animal Rescue
Founded in 2014 by cat lovers, this Cape Town rescue organisation has a mission to “be the change, not the problem”. Focusing on initiatives to sterilise stray cats, save abandoned litters of kittens and grow awareness around adopting rather than shopping, this team of strong women have sterilised more than 2 500 cats for families who can’t afford the vets’ fees, and have facilitated successful adoptions of over 2 100 animals.

Relying on private donors and fundraising initiatives, the organisation has recently welcomed sponsorship by Hills Pet Nutrition, which is a massive help with food costs. They’ve also branched out to assist dogs and even farm animals.

Contact: 063 317 1197


Pact: Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment
This NPO was founded in 2012 and is dedicated to providing care and medical treatment for animals in the Phoenix area of Durban. Their mission is to find and remove animals from abusive homes, rehabilitate them and find foster homes or permanent new homes for them. The same applies to strays found in poor condition.

They also have an outreach programme where they assist and feed feral colonies of dogs and cats. Last year, the passionate team was able to lend a hand during the devastating floods in Durban, saving displaced animals and bringing them to safety. Volunteers are welcomed with wide arms, and potential foster owners are encouraged to become a part of their animal network.

Contact: 073 005 4275

Text by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photographs by:Gallo/Getty Images, Pexels