RESCUE THE ANIMALS
Caring for abused, abandoned and malnourished animals can be a difficult task, but one such organisation, Community Lead Animal Welfare (Claw), in Durban Deep, goes to extra lengths to ensure the wellbeing of these creatures. Our photographer Nigel Sibanda documents the behind-the-scenes efforts of this non-profit organisation.
1. LAUNDRY DAY
Volunteers wash dog blankets using water tanks at the Community Lead Animal Welfare (Claw) centre in Durban Deep, Roodepoort. The organisation uses an old mine building donated by Durban Deep mine as its headquarters. The facility currently has no water and electricity due to theft from the premises.
2. CLAWS OUT
A volunteer plays with an unwanted cat in a cage at Claw. The cat was taken from Braamfischer in Soweto after the owner gave it away because of unemployment and unaffordabity.
3. FEEL THE LOVE
Loving the animals at Claw is expected. Contributions from the community is minimal, but some can afford a few rands.
4. WATCH OUT
A puppy which is not used to being handled and still needs to be socialised, growls in his cage. Staff at Claw are trained to handle scared dogs. Claw has an excellent relationship with SCPA and refer some cases to them.
5. DRIVING FORCE
Veterinary driver and animal rescuer Hassan Kassim Asie speaks to a resident at Tshepisong in Soweto about a sick puppy. He collects dogs and takes them to Claw’s clinic. He even rescues monkeys and baboons and also inspects the homes of people who abuse pets. They are given three lessons on how to treat animals.
6. SMALL FRY
A Pekingese dog at Claw. The shelter doesn’t have many volunteers but local children help by walking some of the dogs. Saints in North Riding sells second-hand goods on behalf of various animals’ charities including Claw. Some second-hand goods delivered to the organisation are distributed among the needy.
7. TICKING OVER
A dog suffering from tick bite fever made a full recovery at Claw. Young children reported the sick dog in someone’s yard. Calls are treated anonymously and the owner of the dog is then approached to resolve the issue, either through medication, or education.
8. UNDER THE KNIFE
A dog in the surgery. Claw offers a 24-hour service to attend to injured animals. The community mostly survives on government grants and sterilisation, for example, can exceed their monthly income.
9. BOOKED IN
Claw veterinary nurse Maidei Musingarabwi registers a dog waiting to be spayed. People use Claw to sterilise their pets as it costs thousands at other veterinary hospitals.
10. NOBLE TASK
Director and founder of Claw Cora Bailey speaks to a visiting community member. Claw is a non-profit organisation which primarily provides basic veterinary healthcare and education to communities in townships and informal settlements.