Donations of food ensure K-9s fighting fit

TUESDAY OCTOBER 25 2016 THE DOG Food Drive, which sought to feed the K-9 unit that protects rhinos from poachers at the Kruger National Park, have collected over 240 bags of dog food worth R140 000.

The initiative, launched on September 22 on World Rhino Day, appealed to the public to help the anti-poaching dog unit.

Africa Geographic general manager, Janine Avery, said she was pleased with the support she received for the food drive, especially as it was its inaugural year.

“On #WorldRhinoDay the Dog Food Drive kicked off and I was overwhelmed by the show of support. People came from around South Africa to lend their hands with drop-off points, transport, collections and monetary donations.”

She thanked Yuppiepet for opening up a space on their website as an online donation portal and BKB Louwid for donating a portion of the money raised at their recent auction to the cause.

Avery said while many people enjoyed the Kruger National Park as tourists, there were poachers lurking in the vast wilderness but a ranger with a working dog was hot on their heels.

“These dogs, along with their handlers and the rangers, risk their lives every day to save our precious rhinos.

“Much time and money goes into training and maintaining these dogs and many of the successful poacher arrests have been due to these hard working dogs.”

These foods are designed for very active working dogs, with not only extra protein and energy, but also the correct minerals and antioxidants.

Kruger’s canine unit sees 52 dogs operating in a Big Five area many now refer to as a “war zone”. The dogs perform a number of duties, including the tracking of poachers in the park and the detection of contraband at entrance and exit points.

To show your support for Kruger’s anti-poaching canines, e-mail knpk9unit@gmail.com. Wishlists are available for those wishing to contribute to the needs of the centre as are the bank details.

“Every bit goes directly to the activities on the ground, the support of these dogs, their handlers, the rangers and saving our rhinos.”