Drive to curb pet overpopulation

A mass sterilisation project aims to address the number of strays

THE Animal Welfare Society (AWS) has embarked on a “Mass Animal Sterilisation Project” to mark International Homeless Animals Day on August 18. Head of communications and resource development for AWS SA Allan Perrins said the aim was to sterilise a minimum of 390 animals in Elsies River and Mitchells Plain, owned by predominantly poor people. Perrins cited pet overpopulation in the vast majority of the Cape Metro and backyard breeding as the main reasons for the project. He added that the sterilisation of pets which have owners goes a long way towards addressing the problem of stray animals.

Statistics published by AWS SA in their educational booklet, Teaching Today’s

Kids About Animal Welfare, affirm that “by spaying and neutering just one male and female cat, more than 2 000 unwanted births can be prevented in just four years and more than 2 million in eight years”, according to Dr John McMullen, AWS SA’s vice-chairperson and chief veterinarian.

According to Wayne Dyson, law enforcement spokesperson for the City, the lack of sterilisation results in more unwanted litters.

“This in turn increases the number of strays roaming about. Rampant and uncontrolled breeding causes overpopulation and this creates fertile grounds for increasing cases of cruelty and neglect.

“The Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit receives many complaints regarding cruelty to animals and neglect.

“Many young people acquire large and aggressive breeds as trophy dogs, and these strong dogs from time to time escape their owners’ properties and inflict life-changing injuries on innocent people in the community. This can result in the pet being put down. People who intend getting pets should register them pets as it is a requirement in terms of the City’s Animal By-law of 2010. Sterilisation is also an aspect of animal care that is being considered for inclusion in proposed amendments to the City’s Animal By-law. Treat your pet well and you will have a friend for life.”

For more information, contact Perrins at 021 692 2626; 078 631 5126 or allanperrins@awscape.org.za.

BY NEUTERING JUST ONE MALE AND FEMALE CAT, MORE THAN 2 000 UNWANTED BIRTHS CAN BE PREVENTED

BESTIES: At the end of the process, elated pet owners such as Josephine Matroos, left, and Mauritia McKinnon are reunited with their furry friends.

FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS: Volunteer Lauren Henshilwood pets a stressed dog. On the right, Henshilwood, nurse’s assistant Maliviwe Mgoduka and theatre assistant Jack Ngcakaza prepare an Elsies River dog for surgery.

THE RIGHT THING TO DO: Pet owners bring their dogs to be sterilised as part of the Animal Welfare Society of SA’s project in Mitchells Plain and Elsies River.